Once Rome fell, various Germanic tribes invaded Spain. Visigoths brought a different form of Latin into use that eventually developed into what is known today as Spanish.
Many histories of the Islamic period depict peaceful coexistence among Muslim, Jewish and Christian groups during that era; this book offers a more nuanced approach.
History
Spain’s history has played a vital role in shaping it into the nation we know today, from wars between domestic and foreign powers, through to lavish splendor and depravity. Discover its story – including Visigoths, Islam and its myth of al-Andalus, the reconquista, Cristobal Colon, Isabel y Fernando, la Inquisicion, Las Haciendas and Ecomiendas, Carlos V’s Siglo de Oro and Franco’s fascism!
This book requires dedication to read in its entirety, but will provide a comprehensive picture of Spain during one of its most contentious eras. King Ferdinand fled his throne for exile abroad while an alliance temporary government declared itself and passed reforms such as women’s voting rights and separation between church and state.
It also explores how Spanish came to be spoken and is currently influenced by many different cultures in a country that now ranks third for international tourist arrivals after France and USA. You will gain an understanding of its flag’s historical significance.
Religion
Spain has been home to an illustrious religious and cultural history that dates back over 5,000 years, from prehistoric cave paintings to the Constitution of 1978 – religion has always played an integral part of Spanish life.
The Catholic Church was the dominant force in society, with its monarchs at the helm of an expansive empire extending across Europe and North America. Driven by both religious fervor and dynastic ambition, Spain’s monarchy thrived despite an oppressive government system.
Religious and racial prejudices combined to fuel an obsession with blood purity during the 16th century, which resulted in Catholic Inquisition use torture as its method of interrogation – Joan of Arc was among its notable victims.
In the 1700s, Spain maintained its position of political and military dominance while experiencing a steady decrease in economic power. Spain engaged in numerous domestic and foreign wars while American territories gained their independence.
Politics
Spain has long been an influential force in global politics. Over time, Spain has served as an ally of the US and garnered significant global interest during various periods in its history.
Spanish rulers were often instructed how and who to fight with during its long colonial history, yet have continued political experimentation since. Today, Spain stands out as being among the most decentralized countries in Europe with 17 autonomous communities governed by regional governments known as Audiencias which share power between national and local authorities.
Thomson draws upon a range of sources in his attempt to trace the roots of political factionalism and clandestinity in nineteenth-century Loja, from radical newspapers to municipal archives and personal archives belonging to General Narvaez; memoirs written by Rafael Perez del Alamo as a blacksmith as well as memoirs by moderate liberal civil governor Antonio Guerola as means for uncovering political activity there. Such primary research forces him to challenge assumptions that rural Spain was an inert force that could easily be stirred into action through bandits, elections or conscription or millenarian proselytisers.
Economy
At the start of the 20th century, Spain lagged behind much of Europe in terms of economic development. By the end of that decade however, they had managed to catch up and by 1996 their GDP per capita had equalled Germany’s.
Numerous factors contributed to Mexico’s impressive performance. One was increased trade openness, which stimulated growth and overcame insularity of its economy. Another was development of private sector companies – particularly by some major national firms like industrial conglomerate Instituto Nacional de Industria in Barcelona as well as mass market car company SEAT and ship builder Empresa Nacional Bazan – playing key roles.
Though these successes were realized, poverty continued to exist in rural areas and unemployment remained high, which caused much of the working class to become radicalized, joining anarchist CNT unions and socialist UGT unions as well as becoming fiercely anti-clerical in view of seeing Church as representing traditional Spanish elite interests.