Antiquity saw the Iberian Peninsula becoming home for colonizers from North Africa and Western Europe, who eventually coexisted with native peoples to form Hispania – its unique culture.
After World War II, Franco dies and Spain begins its slow transformation towards democracy with free education and an expanded welfare state.
History of Spain
Queen Isabella tends to get less press than her husband Ferdinand; however, she was an integral figure in Spanish history and this book explores her life and legacy.
This older work remains an effective starting point to understanding Spain. While its text may be dense and difficult to follow, it will give a great overview of Spain during a particular time period which will enable further reading on that topic.
Carthage
Carthage (Kart-hadasht, Phoenician for “New Town”) in North Africa had an astounding empire that stretched into southern Spain, boasting wealthy merchants and manufacturers with access to advanced agricultural techniques.
Carthage may have been ruled by oligarchs, but its democracy was far from lacking; elected legislators and trade unions could all play their parts. Furthermore, Carthage was home to writers such as Virgil and Hannibal – both considered great authors!
Visigoths
Visigothic kingships were elective and the kingdoms of Toulouse and Toledo demonstrated the assimilation of Roman and Germanic customs into Visigothic society, though there was division among Catholic Romans and Arian Visigoths.
Conflict was ignited by an ecumenical schism between Rome and Byzantium, giving Clovis, King of the Franks from northern France, a pretext to invade southern Gaul in battle against Alaric.
Moors
Moorish Spain made an indelible mark on Europe and had an outsized influence in the medieval world. They managed to spread their way of life across an expansive area by force of armies.
Even though Moors were formidable enemies at one point in European history, they also brought great benefits. Their arrival ushered in an exciting era of scientific discovery with advances in astronomy, medicine and agriculture among many other fields.
Reconquista
The Reconquista was an epic battle fueled by devotion to Christianity. King Philip II of Spain found they could mobilize their Christian armies with crusaders from other European countries in their battle against Muslim rulers of al-Andalus.
Reconquista was an extended process over centuries as various Christian kingdoms gradually wrestled control of the peninsula away from Muslims until, finally, in 1492, Granada fell.
Renaissance
Renaissance (rebirth or renewal) refers to a period in European history from approximately 14th to 17th century, marking a breakaway from medieval traditions while opening up ways for modernity.
Artistic freedom is at the core of Renaissance creativity, as evidenced by works by Spanish Renaissance authors such as Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote).
17th century
In the 17th century, Spain had become increasingly wealthy through its vast colonial empire and became an established European power.
Charles attempted to unite merchantmen and middle class voters, alienating clergymen and land elites in the process. When he liberalized grain trade prices skyrocketed and riots ensued. To remedy the situation he returned to using validos; but this presented its own set of difficulties.
18th century
Spain’s decline during the eighteenth century has often been blamed on religious fanaticism and their longstanding struggle against Moorish rule, but their achievements during this time must also be celebrated.
Literary authors such as Joaquin Costa and Giner de los Rios launched a movement for national revival; historical research conducted by scholars such as Enrique Florez revealed the cultural background of medieval Christian Spain.
19th century
In the 19th century, Spain devolved significant autonomy to Catalonia and Basque Provinces through decentralisation policies of their republic, while liberals also won some concessions for women.
Boone explores how American artists, such as Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt, interpreted Spain through art. She explores Velazquez’s costumbrista realism and Fortuny’s bullfight as examples that resonated with contemporary American concerns.
20th century
After a military coup in December 1874, Spain’s monarchy is restored and Carlist insurrection suppressed. Unfortunately, its replacement governing system consists of patronage-based clientelism.
Carmen Martin Gaite was an astute observer of social mores, drawing our attention to women’s limitations within society. Her novels from Entre visillos to La Reina de las Nieves illustrated everyday Spanish life vividly.