HISTORY OF SPAIN
EARLY HISTORY
Spain has without doubt a full and colourful history. It's had the good times and the bad and to
give a full account of its history would take a book but here is a brief overview.
It is said that modern humans were in Spain some 32,000 years ago..
There have been many different cultures over the years giving Spain
the influence you see today.
Of most significance was the invasion in 711 of the Moors.
Many will know of the celebrations of the annual Moors and
Christian fiestas held each year in the towns.
Nearly the whole of the Iberian Peninsula was invaded.
This led to the formation of muslim states, most notably Al-Andalus.
However, not satisfied with the settlement of the Muslims the
Christians based mainly in the North started their long journey to
recapture the townships and remove the Moors. The last town to fall was Granada in 1492. The
Kingdom of Spain was then born.
For the next 3 centruries Spain became a global power establishing a vast empire in the Americas.
There were many religiously fuelled wars with France, England, Sweden and North African
Countries. Unfortunately for Spain these wars did more damage than good. This decline led to the
Spanish War of Succession which left Spain a second rate country rather that the leading power it
had been previously.
In the 18th Century the Bourbons did bring some recovery but at the end of the century Spain fell
to the might of the Napoleonic troops, as did much of Europe leading to French occupation. The
War of Independence that followed effectively destabilised the country leaving infighting between
groups within Spain.
Many Spanish colonies were lost at the end of the
19th Century following a brief war with the United States.
The instability suffered by Spain continued.
give a full account of its history would take a book but here is a brief overview.
It is said that modern humans were in Spain some 32,000 years ago..
There have been many different cultures over the years giving Spain
the influence you see today.
Of most significance was the invasion in 711 of the Moors.
Many will know of the celebrations of the annual Moors and
Christian fiestas held each year in the towns.
Nearly the whole of the Iberian Peninsula was invaded.
This led to the formation of muslim states, most notably Al-Andalus.
However, not satisfied with the settlement of the Muslims the
Christians based mainly in the North started their long journey to
recapture the townships and remove the Moors. The last town to fall was Granada in 1492. The
Kingdom of Spain was then born.
For the next 3 centruries Spain became a global power establishing a vast empire in the Americas.
There were many religiously fuelled wars with France, England, Sweden and North African
Countries. Unfortunately for Spain these wars did more damage than good. This decline led to the
Spanish War of Succession which left Spain a second rate country rather that the leading power it
had been previously.
In the 18th Century the Bourbons did bring some recovery but at the end of the century Spain fell
to the might of the Napoleonic troops, as did much of Europe leading to French occupation. The
War of Independence that followed effectively destabilised the country leaving infighting between
groups within Spain.
Many Spanish colonies were lost at the end of the
19th Century following a brief war with the United States.
The instability suffered by Spain continued.
THE FRANCO REGIME
Our Community in Spain
The Expat Costa Blanca guide for all you need to know
about living and working on the Costa Blanca in Spain
about living and working on the Costa Blanca in Spain
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In 1936 Spain found itself with a Civil War. The result was the loss of the Monarchy and a
dictatorship led by Fransisco Franco. Franco ruled Spain until his death in 1975. Depending on
who you speak to there are conflicting views about the good or bad he did for Spain.
However, upon Franco's death, Spain saw the return of the Bourbon monarchy in the shape of
King Juan Carlos.
dictatorship led by Fransisco Franco. Franco ruled Spain until his death in 1975. Depending on
who you speak to there are conflicting views about the good or bad he did for Spain.
However, upon Franco's death, Spain saw the return of the Bourbon monarchy in the shape of
King Juan Carlos.
MODERN DAY SPAIN
Since the demise of Franco Spain has seen rapid growth in the
property and tourism sectors. This resulted in one of the fastest
growing standards of living known.
It enjoys a democratic government and there are 17 autonomous
regions with regional power.
Having been a strong catholic country it's changes in laws for
divorce, abortion and gay marriages demonstrate its liberal outlook on
life generally.
Spain joined the European Union in 1986 and then hosted the Olympic
games in Barcelona in 1992.
property and tourism sectors. This resulted in one of the fastest
growing standards of living known.
It enjoys a democratic government and there are 17 autonomous
regions with regional power.
Having been a strong catholic country it's changes in laws for
divorce, abortion and gay marriages demonstrate its liberal outlook on
life generally.
Spain joined the European Union in 1986 and then hosted the Olympic
games in Barcelona in 1992.
