History Spain

1 history

1.1 prehistory , pre-roman peoples
1.2 roman empire , gothic kingdom
1.3 middle ages: muslim era , reconquista
1.4 imperial spain
1.5 liberalism, labour movement , nation state
1.6 spanish civil war, francoism era
1.7 restoration of democracy

history


reproduction of altamira cave paintings, in cantabria

iberia enters written records land populated largely iberians, basques , celts. on coastal areas settled phoenicians founded western europe s ancient cities cadiz , malaga. phoenician influence expanded of peninsula incorporated carthaginian empire, becoming major theater of punic wars against expanding roman empire. after arduous conquest, peninsula came under roman rule. during middle ages came under germanic rule later, of conquered moorish invaders north africa. in process took centuries, small christian kingdoms in north gradually regained control of peninsula. last moorish kingdom fell in same year columbus reached americas. global empire began saw spain become strongest kingdom in europe, leading world power century , half, , largest overseas empire 3 centuries.

continued wars , other problems led diminished status. napoleonic invasions of spain led chaos, triggering independence movements tore apart of empire , left country politically unstable. prior second world war, spain suffered devastating civil war , came under rule of authoritarian government, oversaw period of stagnation followed surge in growth of economy. democracy peacefully restored in form of parliamentary constitutional monarchy. spain joined european union, experiencing cultural renaissance , steady economic growth until beginning of 21st century, started new globalized world economic , ecological challenges.

prehistory , pre-roman peoples


pre-roman map of iberian peninsula



celtic castro in galicia

archaeological research @ atapuerca indicates iberian peninsula populated hominids 1.2 million years ago. in atapuerca fossils have been found of earliest known hominins in europe, homo antecessor. modern humans first arrived in iberia, north on foot, 35,000 years ago. best known artefacts of these prehistoric human settlements famous paintings in altamira cave of cantabria in northern iberia, created 35,600 13,500 bce cro-magnon. archaeological , genetic evidence suggests iberian peninsula acted 1 of several major refugia northern europe repopulated following end of last ice age.

the largest groups inhabiting iberian peninsula before roman conquest iberians , celts. iberians inhabited mediterranean side of peninsula, northeast southeast. celts inhabited of inner , atlantic sides of peninsula, northwest southwest. basques occupied western area of pyrenees mountain range , adjacent areas, phoenician-influenced tartessians culture flourished in southwest , lusitanians , vettones occupied areas in central west. number of cities founded along coast phoenicians, , trading outposts , colonies established greeks in east. eventually, phoenician-carthaginians expanded inland towards meseta, due bellicose inland tribes carthaginians got settled in coasts of iberian peninsula.

roman empire , gothic kingdom


roman theatre, mérida



toledo, capital of visigothic kingdom

during second punic war, between 210 , 205 bc expanding roman republic captured carthaginian trading colonies along mediterranean coast. although took romans 2 centuries complete conquest of iberian peninsula, retained control of on 6 centuries. roman rule bound law, language, , roman road.

the cultures of celtic , iberian populations gradually romanised (latinised) @ different rates depending on part of hispania lived in, local leaders being admitted roman aristocratic class. hispania served granary roman market, , harbors exported gold, wool, olive oil, , wine. agricultural production increased introduction of irrigation projects, of remain in use. emperors hadrian, trajan, theodosius i, , philosopher seneca born in hispania. christianity introduced hispania in 1st century ad , became popular in cities in 2nd century ad. of spain s present languages , religion, , basis of laws, originate period.

reccared , bishops. council iii of toledo, 589. codex vigilanus, fol. 145, biblioteca del escorial.

the weakening of western roman empire s jurisdiction in hispania began in 409, when germanic suebi , vandals, sarmatian alans entered peninsula @ invitation of roman usurper. these tribes had crossed rhine in 407 , ravaged gaul. suebi established kingdom in today modern galicia , northern portugal whereas vandals established in southern spain 420 before crossing on north africa in 429 , taking carthage in 439. western empire disintegrated, social , economic base became simplified: in modified form, successor regimes maintained many of institutions , laws of late empire, including christianity , assimilation evolving roman culture.

the byzantines established occidental province, spania, in south, intention of reviving roman rule throughout iberia. eventually, however, hispania reunited under visigothic rule.

the spanish-gothic scholars such braulio of zaragoza , isidore of seville played important role in keeping classical greek , roman culture. isidore 1 of influential clerics , philosophers in middle ages in europe, , theories vital conversion of visigothic kingdom arian domain catholic 1 in councils of toledo. gothic kingdom first independent christian kingdom ruling in iberian peninsula, , in reconquista referent different kingdoms fighting against muslim rule. isidore created first western encyclopaedia had huge impact during middle ages.

middle ages: muslim era , reconquista


the death of frankish leader roland defeated basque , muslim-muladi (banu qasi) alliance @ battle of roncevaux pass (778) originated kingdom of navarre led Íñigo arista.

in 8th century, of iberian peninsula conquered (711–718) largely moorish muslim armies north africa. these conquests part of expansion of umayyad caliphate. small area in mountainous north-west of peninsula managed resist initial invasion.

under islamic law, christians , jews given subordinate status of dhimmi. status permitted christians , jews practice religions people of book required pay special tax , had legal , social rights inferior of muslims.

catalan romanesque churches of vall de boí

conversion islam proceeded @ increasing pace. muladíes (muslims of ethnic iberian origin) believed have comprised majority of population of al-andalus end of 10th century.

the muslim community in iberian peninsula diverse , beset social tensions. berber people of north africa, had provided bulk of invading armies, clashed arab leadership middle east. on time, large moorish populations became established, in guadalquivir river valley, coastal plain of valencia, ebro river valley , (towards end of period) in mountainous region of granada.

hypostyle hall in great mosque of córdoba

córdoba, capital of caliphate since abd-ar-rahman iii, largest, richest , sophisticated city in western europe. mediterranean trade , cultural exchange flourished. muslims imported rich intellectual tradition middle east , north africa. important philosophers @ time averroes, ibn arabi , maimonides. romanised cultures of iberian peninsula interacted muslim , jewish cultures in complex ways, giving region distinctive culture. outside cities, vast majority lived, land ownership system roman times remained largely intact muslim leaders dispossessed landowners , introduction of new crops , techniques led expansion of agriculture introducing new produces came asia or former territories of roman empire

petronilla of aragon , ramon berenguer iv, count of barcelona, dynastic union of crown of aragon

in 11th century, muslim holdings fractured rival taifa kingdoms, allowing small christian states opportunity enlarge territories. arrival north africa of islamic ruling sects of almoravids , almohads restored unity upon muslim holdings, stricter, less tolerant application of islam, , saw revival in muslim fortunes. re-united islamic state experienced more century of successes partially reversed christian gains.

basilica of san isidoro, león

the reconquista (reconquest) centuries-long period in christian rule re-established on iberian peninsula. reconquista viewed beginning battle of covadonga won don pelayo in 722 , concurrent period of muslim rule on iberian peninsula. christian army s victory on muslim forces led creation of christian kingdom of asturias along northwestern coastal mountains. shortly after, in 739, muslim forces driven galicia, host 1 of medieval europe s holiest sites, santiago de compostela , incorporated new christian kingdom. kingdom of león strongest christian kingdom centuries. in 1188 first modern parliamentary session in europe held in león (cortes of león). kingdom of castile, formed leonese territory, successor strongest kingdom. kings , nobility fought power , influence in period. example of roman emperors influenced political objective of crown, while nobles benefited feudalism.

muslim armies had moved north of pyrenees defeated frankish forces @ battle of poitiers, frankia , pushed out of southernmost region of france along seacoast 760s. later, frankish forces established christian counties on southern side of pyrenees. these areas grow kingdoms of navarre , aragon. several centuries, fluctuating frontier between muslim , christian controlled areas of iberia along ebro , douro valleys.

the county of barcelona , kingdom of aragon entered in dynastic union , gained territory , power in mediterranean. in 1229 majorca conquered, valencia in 1238.

the almohads transferred capital of al-andalus seville.

the break-up of al-andalus competing taifa kingdoms helped long embattled iberian christian kingdoms gain initiative. capture of strategically central city of toledo in 1085 marked significant shift in balance of power in favour of christian kingdoms. following great muslim resurgence in 12th century, great moorish strongholds in south fell christian spain in 13th century—córdoba in 1236 , seville in 1248. in 13th , 14th centuries, marinid dynasty of morocco invaded , established enclaves on southern coast failed in attempt re-establish north african rule in iberia , driven out. after 800 years of muslim presence in spain, last nasrid sultanate of granada, tributary state surrender in 1492 catholic monarchs queen isabella of castile , king ferdinand ii of aragon.

alfonso x, pretendant of holy roman empire crown , king of crown of castile

from mid 13th century, literature , philosophy started flourish again in christian peninsular kingdoms, based on roman , gothic traditions. important philosopher time ramon llull. abraham cresques prominent jewish cartographer. roman law , institutions model legislators. king alfonso x of castile focused on strengthening roman , gothic past, , on linking iberian christian kingdoms rest of medieval european christendom. alfonso worked being elected emperor of holy roman empire , published siete partidas code. toledo school of translators name commonly describes group of scholars worked in city of toledo during 12th , 13th centuries, translate many of philosophical , scientific works classical arabic, ancient greek, , ancient hebrew. islamic transmission of classics main islamic contributions medieval europe. castilian language—more commonly known (especially later in history , @ present) spanish after becoming national language , lingua franca of spain—evolved vulgar latin, did other romance languages of spain catalan, asturian , galician languages, other romance languages in latin europe. basque, non-romance language in spain, continued evolving basque medieval. glosas emilianenses founded in monasteries of san millán de la cogolla contain first written words in both basque , spanish, having first become influence in formation of second evolution of latin.

alhambra. granada last taifa in peninsula.

the 13th century witnessed crown of aragon, centred in spain s north east, expand reach across islands in mediterranean, sicily , athens. around time universities of palencia (1212/1263) , salamanca (1218/1254) established. black death of 1348 , 1349 devastated spain.

imperial spain

in 1469, crowns of christian kingdoms of castile , aragon united marriage of isabella of castile , ferdinand ii of aragon. 1478 commenced completion of conquest of canary islands , in 1492, combined forces of castile , aragon captured emirate of granada last ruler muhammad xii, ending last remnant of 781-year presence of islamic rule in iberia. same year, spain s jews ordered convert catholicism or face expulsion spanish territories during spanish inquisition. treaty of granada guaranteed religious tolerance towards muslims, few years before islam outlawed in 1502 in kingdom of castile , 1527 in kingdom of aragon, leading spain s muslim population becoming nominally christian moriscos. few decades after morisco rebellion of granada known war of alpujarras, significant proportion of spain s formerly-muslim population expelled, settling in north africa.

the year 1492 marked arrival of christopher columbus in new world, during voyage funded isabella. columbus s first voyage crossed atlantic , reached caribbean islands, beginning european exploration , conquest of americas, although columbus remained convinced had reached orient. colonisation of americas started, conquistadores hernán cortés , francisco pizarro. miscegenation rule between native , spanish cultures , people.

christopher columbus meets isabella of castile , ferdinand ii of aragon in alhambra

as renaissance new monarchs, isabella , ferdinand centralised royal power @ expense of local nobility, , word españa, root ancient name hispania, began commonly used designate whole of 2 kingdoms. wide-ranging political, legal, religious , military reforms, spain emerged first world power.

the unification of crowns of aragon , castile marriage of sovereigns laid basis modern spain , spanish empire, although each kingdom of spain remained separate country, in social, political, laws, currency , language.

anachronous map of spanish empire, including territorial claims



maría pacheco, last leader of revolt of comuneros, 1 of first modern revolutions

there 2 big revolts against new habsburg monarch , more authoritarian , imperial-style crown: revolt of comuneros in castile , revolt of brotherhoods in majorca , valencia. after years of combat, comuneros juan lópez de padilla, juan bravo , francisco maldonado executed , maría pacheco went exile. germana de foix finished revolt in mediterranean.

spain europe s leading power throughout 16th century , of 17th century, position reinforced trade , wealth colonial possessions , became world s leading maritime power. reached apogee during reigns of first 2 spanish habsburgs—charles (1516–1556) , philip ii (1556–1598). period saw italian wars, revolt of comuneros, dutch revolt, morisco revolt, clashes ottomans, anglo-spanish war , wars france.

through exploration , conquest or royal marriage alliances , inheritance, spanish empire expanded include vast areas in americas, islands in asia-pacific area, areas of italy, cities in northern africa, parts of france, germany, belgium, luxembourg, , netherlands. first circumnavigation of world carried out in 1519–1521. first empire on said sun never set. age of discovery, daring explorations sea , land, opening-up of new trade routes across oceans, conquests , beginnings of european colonialism. spanish explorers brought precious metals, spices, luxuries, , unknown plants, , played leading part in transforming european understanding of globe. cultural efflorescence witnessed during period referred spanish golden age. expansion of empire caused immense upheaval in americas collapse of societies , empires , new diseases europe devastated american indigenous populations. rise of humanism, counter-reformation , new geographical discoveries , conquests raised issues addressed intellectual movement known school of salamanca, developed first modern theories of known international law , human rights.

europe after peace of westphalia

in late 16th century , first half of 17th century, spain confronted unrelenting challenges sides. barbary pirates, under aegis of rapidly growing ottoman empire, disrupted life in many coastal areas through slave raids , renewed threat of islamic invasion. @ time when spain @ war france.

the protestant reformation dragged kingdom ever more mire of religiously charged wars. result country forced ever expanding military efforts across europe , in mediterranean.

by middle decades of war- , plague-ridden 17th-century europe, spanish habsburgs had enmeshed country in continent-wide religious-political conflicts. these conflicts drained of resources , undermined economy generally. spain managed hold on of scattered habsburg empire, , imperial forces of holy roman empire reverse large part of advances made protestant forces, forced recognise separation of portugal (with whom had been united in personal union of crowns 1580 1640) , netherlands, , suffered serious military reverses france in latter stages of immensely destructive, europe-wide thirty years war.

the family of philip v. during enlightenment in spain new royal family reigned, house of bourbon.

in latter half of 17th century, spain went gradual decline, during surrendered several small territories france , netherlands; however, maintained , enlarged vast overseas empire, remained intact until beginning of 19th century.

the decline culminated in controversy on succession throne consumed first years of 18th century. war of spanish succession wide-ranging international conflict combined civil war, , cost kingdom european possessions , position 1 of leading powers on continent. during war, new dynasty originating in france, bourbons, installed. long united crown, true spanish state established when first bourbon king, philip v, united crowns of castile , aragon single state, abolishing many of old regional privileges , laws.

the 18th century saw gradual recovery , increase in prosperity through of empire. new bourbon monarchy drew on french system of modernising administration , economy. enlightenment ideas began gain ground among of kingdom s elite , monarchy. military assistance rebellious british colonies in american war of independence improved kingdom s international standing.

liberalism, labour movement , nation state


the third of may 1808 francisco de goya depicts episode of spanish independence war.

in 1793, spain went war against revolutionary new french republic member of first coalition. subsequent war of pyrenees polarised country in reaction against gallicised elites , following defeat in field, peace made france in 1795 @ peace of basel in spain lost control on two-thirds of island of hispaniola. prime minister, manuel godoy, ensured spain allied herself france in brief war of third coalition ended british victory @ battle of trafalgar in 1805. in 1807, secret treaty between napoleon , unpopular prime minister led new declaration of war against britain , portugal. napoleon s troops entered country invade portugal instead occupied spain s major fortresses. ridiculed spanish king abdicated in favour of napoleon s brother, joseph bonaparte.

joseph bonaparte seen puppet monarch , regarded scorn spanish. 2 may 1808 revolt 1 of many nationalist uprisings across country against bonapartist regime. these revolts marked beginning of devastating war of independence against napoleonic regime. napoleon forced intervene personally, defeating several spanish armies , forcing british army retreat. however, further military action spanish armies, guerrillas , wellington s british-portuguese forces, combined napoleon s disastrous invasion of russia, led ousting of french imperial armies spain in 1814, , return of king ferdinand vii.

the proclamation of spanish constitution of 1812 in cádiz

during war, in 1810, revolutionary body, cortes of cádiz, assembled co-ordinate effort against bonapartist regime , prepare constitution. met 1 body, , members represented entire spanish empire. in 1812, constitution universal representation under constitutional monarchy declared, after fall of bonapartist regime, ferdinand vii dismissed cortes generales , determined rule absolute monarch. these events foreshadowed conflict between conservatives , liberals in 19th , 20th centuries.

laureano figuerola, manuel ruiz zorrilla, práxedes mateo sagasta, juan prim, francisco serrano, juan bautista topete, adelardo lópez de ayala, juan Álvarez de lorenzana, antonio romero ortiz

spain s conquest france benefited latin american anti-colonialists resented imperial spanish government s policies favoured spanish-born citizens (peninsulars) on born overseas (criollos) , demanded retroversion of sovereignty people. starting in 1809 spain s american colonies began series of revolutions , declared independence, leading spanish american wars of independence ended spanish control on mainland colonies in americas. king ferdinand vii s attempt re-assert control proved futile faced opposition not in colonies in spain , army revolts followed, led liberal officers. end of 1826, american colonies spain held cuba , puerto rico.

the napoleonic war left spain economically ruined, divided , politically unstable. in 1830s , 1840s anti-liberal forces known carlists fought against liberals in carlist wars. liberal forces won, conflict between progressive , conservative liberals ended in weak constitutional period. after glorious revolution of 1868 , short-lived first spanish republic, more stable monarchic period began characterised practice of turnismo (the rotation of government control between progressive , conservative liberals within spanish government).

proclamation of first spanish republic in barcelona, 1873. francesc pi margall, president , intellectual theoric of federalism.

in late 19th century nationalist movements arose in philippines , cuba. in 1895 , 1896 cuban war of independence , philippine revolution broke out , united states became involved. spanish–american war fought in spring of 1898 , resulted in spain losing last of once vast colonial empire outside of north africa. el desastre (the disaster), war became known in spain, gave added impetus generation of 98 conducting analysis of country.

demonstration in barcelona after tragic week events

although period around turn of century 1 of increasing prosperity, 20th century brought little peace; spain played minor part in scramble africa, colonisation of western sahara, spanish morocco , equatorial guinea. remained neutral during world war (see spain in world war i). heavy losses suffered during rif war in morocco brought discredit government , undermined monarchy.

a period of authoritarian rule under general miguel primo de rivera (1923–1931) ended establishment of second spanish republic. republic offered political autonomy linguistically distinct regions of basque country, catalonia , galicia , gave voting rights women. during period asturian miners strike of 1934 occurred.

spanish civil war, francoism era


they shall not pass!... madrid graveyard of fascism. fascism on rise in europe during spanish civil war.

the spanish civil war broke out in 1936. 3 years nationalist forces led general francisco franco , supported nazi germany , fascist italy fought republican side, supported soviet union, mexico , international brigades not supported western powers due british-led policy of non-intervention. civil war viciously fought , there many atrocities committed sides. war claimed lives of on 500,000 people , caused flight of half-million citizens country. in 1939, general franco emerged victorious , became dictator.

francisco franco , dwight d. eisenhower (madrid 1959) in context of cold war. spain entered in united nations in 1955.

the state established under franco nominally neutral in second world war, although sympathetic axis. legal party under franco s post civil war regime falange española tradicionalista y de las jons, formed in 1937; party emphasised falangism, form of fascism emphasised anti-communism, nationalism , roman catholicism. given franco s opposition competing political parties, party renamed national movement (movimiento nacional) in 1949.

after world war ii spain politically , economically isolated, , kept out of united nations. changed in 1955, during cold war period, when became strategically important establish military presence on iberian peninsula counter possible move soviet union mediterranean basin. in 1960s, spain registered unprecedented rate of economic growth propelled industrialisation, mass internal migration rural areas cities , creation of mass tourism industry. franco s rule characterised authoritarianism, promotion of unitary national identity, favouring of conservative form of roman catholicism known national catholicism, , discriminatory language policies.

restoration of democracy


federica montseny speaks @ meeting of cnt in barcelona in 1977 after 36 years of exile.

in 1962, group of politicians involved in opposition franco s regime inside country , in exile met in congress of european movement in munich, made resolution in favour of democracy.

with franco s death in november 1975, juan carlos succeeded position of king of spain , head of state in accordance franquist law. approval of new spanish constitution of 1978 , restoration of democracy, state devolved authority regions , created internal organisation based on autonomous communities. spanish 1977 amnesty law let people of franco s regime continue inside institutions without consequences, perpetrators of crimes during transition democracy massacre of 3 march 1976 in vitoria or 1977 massacre of atocha. founding chairman of current leading political party in spain, people s party, manuel fraga had been minister in franco s government , yet continued political career until shortly before death in 2012.

in basque country, moderate basque nationalism has coexisted radical nationalist movement led armed terrorist organisation eta. group formed in 1959 during franco s rule has continued wage violent campaign after restoration of democracy , return of large measure of regional autonomy.

on 23 february 1981, rebel elements among security forces seized cortes in attempt impose military-backed government. king juan carlos took personal command of military , ordered coup plotters, via national television, surrender.

josé maría aznar, jordi pujol, felipe vi , adolfo suárez in 1990s

during 1980s democratic restoration made possible growing open society. new cultural movements based on freedom appeared, la movida madrileña , culture of human rights arose gregorio peces-barba. on 30 may 1982 spain joined nato, following referendum after strong social opposition. year spanish socialist workers party (psoe) came power, first left-wing government in 43 years. in 1986 spain joined european economic community, later became european union. psoe replaced in government partido popular (pp) in 1996 after scandals around participation of government of felipe gonzález in dirty war against eta; @ point psoe had served 14 consecutive years in office.

on 1 january 2002, spain adopted euro, , spain experienced strong economic growth, above eu average during 2000s. however, well-publicised concerns issued many economic commentators @ height of boom warned extraordinary property prices , high foreign trade deficit lead painful economic collapse.

spain has been member of european union since 1986.

in 2002 prestige oil spill occurred big ecological consequences along spain s atlantic coastline. in 2003 josé maría aznar supported president george w. bush in iraq war, , strong movement against war rose in spanish society. on 11 march 2004 local islamist terrorist group inspired al-qaeda carried out largest terrorist attack in spanish history when killed 191 people , wounded more 1,800 others bombing commuter trains in madrid. though initial suspicions focused on basque terrorist group eta, evidence emerged indicating islamist involvement. because of proximity of 2004 election, issue of responsibility became political controversy, main competing parties pp , psoe exchanging accusations on handling of incident. elections on 14 march won psoe, led josé luis rodríguez zapatero.

puerta del sol square in madrid, shown here on 20 may 2011, became focal point , symbol during protests.

the proportion of spain s foreign born population increased rapidly during economic boom in 2000s, declined due financial crisis. in 2005 spanish government legalised same sex marriage. decentralisation supported resistance of constitutional court , conservative opposition, did gender politics quotas or law against gender violence. government talks eta happened, , group announced permanent cease of violence in 2010.

the bursting of spanish property bubble in 2008 led 2008–16 spanish financial crisis , high levels of unemployment, cuts in government spending , corruption in royal family , people s party served backdrop 2011–12 spanish protests. catalan independentism on rise. in 2011, mariano rajoy s conservative people s party won election 44.6% of votes, , rajoy became spanish prime minister, after having been leader of opposition 2004 2011, , continued implement austerity measures required eu stability , growth pact. on 19 june 2014, monarch, juan carlos, abdicated in favour of son, became felipe vi.

a catalan independence referendum held on 1 october 2017 , then, on 27 october, catalan parliament voted unilaterally declare independence spain form catalan republic on day spanish senate discussing approving direct rule on catalonia called spanish prime minister. later day senate granted power impose direct rule , mr rajoy dissolved catalan parliament , called new election. no country has recognised catalonia separate state.

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