Spanish Society
A brief history of Spanish society and government.
Traditional Societies of Spain
Spanish society has undergone many changes throughout its history, and local variations exist to the present day. After periods of Phoenician, Roman, and Visigothic rule, much of the Iberian Peninsula was conquered by Berber and Arab armies in the 8th century CE. The Islamic dynasties of Al-Andalus shaped Spain’s later culture, architecture, diet, and national identity. It also spurred the formation of a central Spanish identity as Catholic kings allied to retake the peninsula. The Reconquista gave rise to popular Spanish folk heroes such as El Cid. It also determined the nation’s future nobility, most of whom gained their status through military service.
The Reconquista and Spanish Empire
The Reconquista cemented Spanish society as a staunchly Catholic monarchy. A further influx of wealth from New World colonies propelled Spain to the forefront of European politics and military power. Below the wealthy royal family, a hierarchy of clergy and noble landowners emerged. The Catholic Church, working both at home and abroad, developed a number of influential Catholic Orders to combat heresy. These included the Jesuits and Franciscans. Overseas, the empire established Spanish colonies throughout the New World, forming new societies as a mixture of Spanish and indigenous customs. Nobles at home enjoyed special privileges, including the right to bear arms and freedom from taxes. The hidalgos, satirized by the fictional Don Quixote, eventually expanded to many landless, petty nobles. Spain possessed a relatively large noble class, particularly in the Basque region. Nevertheless, the majority of its citizens were peasant farmers and craftsmen.
Further Reading:
Modern Spanish Societies
The 20th century brought new social upheaval to Spain after centuries of gradual decline. A popular uprising in 1868 overthrew the Bourbon Queen Isabella II. Neither her replacement nor the First Spanish Republic lasted past 1874, when the Bourbons regained power. This brief period of political independence, however, sparked a series of national movements. Anarchists, communists, republicans, and military leaders all pressured the ailing monarchy.
In 1931, King Alfonso XIII left the throne, establishing the Second Spanish Republic. The liberal reforms that followed soon met resistance from conservatives, particularly within the military. Tensions culminated in 1936, when General Francisco Franco led a military coup against the Republic. The Spanish Civil War played out in every province using new and devastating technologies, Within three years, 300,000 people had died and the conservative forces headed by Franco declared victory.
Franco maintained power until his death in 1975. Authoritarianism in Spain survived in large part due to its lack of participation in World War II, despite Franco’s support of Italy and Germany. Later, his anti-communist stance thawed relations with Europe and the United States. His regime eliminated political opposition through executions and labor camps. Upon his death, the Bourbon monarchy was restored once again under King Juan Carlos I.
Today, Spain is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Felipe VI. Despite several decades of authoritarian rule and modernization, regional differences can still be seen across Spain. Significant nationalist movements exist within the Basque Country and Catalonia, which remain culturally distinct. In addition, a large population of Roma peoples have existed within and influenced the nation for hundreds of years. Spanish is the primary official language, but other languages such as Basque, Catalan, Asturian, Calo, Valencian, Aragonese, and Galician are still widely spoken.
Further Reading:
References
Eavis, Peter. “The Mystery of Spain's Perpetual Jobs Problem.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 May 2016, www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/upshot/spains-jobless-numbers-almost-look-like-misprints.html.
Gies, David T. The Cambridge Companion to Modern Spanish Culture. Cambridge University Press. 1999.
Payne, Stanley G. Spanish Catholicism: An Historical Overview. University of Wisconsin Press. 1984.
Phillips, William and Carla Rahn Phillips. A Concise History of Spain. Cambridge University Press. 2016.
“The World Factbook: Spain.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 12 July 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sp.html.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
