Spain in the Liberal Age: From Constitution to Civil War, 1808-1939

Description

This book is the first single volume history of modern Spain to appear in over 30 years. It describes Spaina s emergence in the nineteenth century as the first modern post–imperial power and examines the vast social and economic changes which Spain witnessed during this period. In lucid and accessible prose, the author provides a gripping account of 131 years of politics, warfare and social conflict. Charles Esdaile places particular emphasis on crucial periods in the history of modern Spain. He shows how nineteenth century Spain was in many ways shaped by the Peninsular War of 1804–18, as the politicization of the army during this conflict cast a shadow over the century–long political struggle between liberalism and absolutism. Esdaile also demonstrates that the years between 1868 and 1874 were a watershed in the history of modern Spain. During this time the social and political changes of the century were consolidated and Spain emerged as a constitutional monarchy.