EDAD CONTEMPORÁNEA (1789-1991) | Resumen en 6 minutos
The Evolution of Political Ideologies from the 18th Century
The Enlightenment and Rise of Liberalism
- In the 18th century, philosophers began to challenge absolute royal power, while bourgeois owners sought greater economic freedom, leading to the Enlightenment movement.
- This movement evolved into liberalism, championed by the bourgeoisie, which fueled revolutions such as the birth of the United States and the French Revolution.
The Impact of Napoleon and Industrial Revolution
- The French Revolution aimed to establish citizen power but resulted in a personalist regime under Napoleon Bonaparte, who expanded a French empire across Europe.
- Meanwhile, England experienced a slow revolution driven by small landowners and inventors during the Industrial Revolution, significantly increasing population and economic levels.
Emergence of Worker Ideologies
- The Industrial Revolution led to a rise in proletarian workers from former peasants, giving birth to significant worker ideologies like Marxism and Anarchism in the 19th century.
- A new imperialist drive emerged as Great Britain sought raw materials and markets for its products, intensifying global competition.
Prelude to World War I
- Tensions escalated due to an arms race and complex alliances primarily involving Germany—a newly unified nation—and Italy.
- World War I erupted in 1914 as these alliances clashed; after four years of conflict, it ended with widespread dissatisfaction among nations involved.
Aftermath: Rise of Totalitarian Movements
- Post-war discontent led to totalitarian movements; Russia saw a successful communist revolution resulting in the first proletariat dictatorship—the Soviet Union.
- Fear of communism spurred fascist movements in Europe that aligned with traditional powers rather than opposing them.
Economic Crises and Political Upheaval
- The U.S. experienced prosperity during the Roaring Twenties until it was abruptly halted by the stock market crash of 1929, triggering a global depression.
- This crisis facilitated Hitler's rise in Germany through scapegoating Jews for societal issues while promoting an authoritarian agenda.
World War II and Its Consequences
- World War II ensued as Germany attempted to revive imperial ambitions; its defeat led to fascism's collapse in 1945.
- A rivalry emerged between superpowers—the U.S. (liberalism) versus the Soviet Union (communism)—leading into a prolonged Cold War period marked by indirect confrontations.
Decline of Soviet Power
- By the late 20th century, technological gaps became evident between superpowers; events like Chernobyl highlighted systemic failures within the USSR.