Americans in the Spanish Civil War

Opinions?? Comments??

Falange: Spain´s Fascist solution

Opinions?? Comments??

World War One: The tragedy of the XXth century

Without a proper understanding of the impact of this war on the world, the growing brutality and inhumanity of the twentieth century is difficult to explain. Many of the technological advances during the war made nations ever more efficient at producing weapons that could kill and destroy their enemies more quickly and efficiently. What are your opinions and understanding of this tragic event?

Education in Alicante in 1916-17

The image that you see is a historical document that comes from a school book text used in the Colegio de Santo Domingo in Orihuela (a town in the Province of Alicante) during the 1916-17 school year. The documents presents a set of "things to avoid " at the end of the summer for the school kids. Here are a few of the things that are said to be avoided:

-Bad or suspicious friends. Never be alone with them if forced to be with them at family gatherings.
-Read or Listen to someone read bad newspapers, magazines, or books.
-Going to dangerous plays, dances, or other forms of entertainment.

Three fatal abuses in rural life:

I. Very little modesty in dress or postures
II. Friendship with others of the opposite sex.
III. Certain jokes, that although not bad, could be considered by those with good manners offensive.

-Be a slave to human respectability! This should always be followed by some gesture related to religion.
- Excessive familiarity or despotism with house servants(In spanish "criados": those who are raised )
-Finally, avoid independence and distancing of oneself from your parents. Sacrifice your fun to keep them company.


As historians, what kind of new information does this shed to us about the education that students received during that period ? What we can learn from this historical document? I want to hear your opinions and interpretations.

Libertè, Egalitè, e Fraternitè!

The Slogan´s of the French Revolution, Libertè, Egalitè, & Fraternitè influenced Spain and Europe in the past and continue to do so even today. The following are two interesting quotes of an important figure of the XIXth century which pose an interesting dilemma for those of us who believe in these ideals.


“Two words are enough to create evil, two words which because they are empty of meaning, enchant the dreamers by emptiness. These two words are Liberty & Equality.”

“The people let themselves be duped easily enough, you cannot exaggerate the goodness of the people, I might even say of all people’s, but their ignorance is great, and therefore they must be led.”

Prince Metternich
Austrian chancellor and foreign minister, dominated the European political scene after 1815. The architect of the Congress of Vienna he represented and embodied the conservative and autocratic values of the period. He was driven from power in 1848 when a revolution in Vienna forced him to flee the country.

What are your opinions? From the review we did of the XIXth century, how do you think these ideas apply to Spain during this period?

Reading assignment for the week

I hope everybody did well on the exam and you found it reasonably challenging. I also hope that you enjoy todays holiday, Valencia, and the long-weekend. I will be not be in class next week as i am recovering from the surgery so i wanted to give you your assignment for the week. On top of working on your investigations, i want you to Read pages 224-242 in your reading packet. Begin with section V on 224 and for every roman numeral, I want you to produce a reflection (1-2 pages) of each section (V, VI, VII). The first is clearly longer so it requires a longer reflection.
The assignments will be turned in to me the day I
return to class which is going to be March 31st.

The bio of the future Queen of Spain

Biography
Born to Jess Ortiz, a journalist and businessman, and Paloma Rocasolano, a nurse and union official, on September 15, 1972, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano grew up in the middle-class city of Oviedo, in the northern region of Asturias, Spain. She is the eldest of three daughters and was the one to show the most interest in her family's "business"; both her father and grandfather had enjoyed decades of success working in journalism.

Being a bright student, however, Letizia decided to try out several programs before picking a career. After finishing secondary school in her hometown, she moved to Madrid to study at the Centre Ramiro de Maetzu. Ortiz finally settled on a major soon after, earning a bachelor's in information sciences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. An eager pupil, this beauty also received her master's degree in audiovisual journalism.

Instead of searching immediately for a job in Spain, Ortiz decided to travel before settling down. She flew to Mexico to pursue doctorate studies and work for a newspaper in Mexico City. It was there that she was photographed and befriended by an artist named Waldo Saveedra.

After serving as the influence for three of Saveedra's paintings (an action that would come back to haunt her) and serving her time as journalist, Ortiz returned to Spain.

With impressive credentials, she did not have trouble finding a job in her line of work. She began her real journalism career with La Nueva Espaa, an Asturian newspaper. Between this and her efforts at the editing desk of Agencia EFE, Spain's news agency, Ortiz met Alonso Guerrero. After a short relationship, they married, in a civil ceremony, in 1998. The nuptials lasted only one year.

Following the divorce, Ortiz concentrated once again on finding work at Spain's best news services. Her initial efforts were quite successful, as she had stints with both the Bloomberg Financial TV network and CNN Plus, Spain's version of the news channel.

In 2000, Letizia settled down with Televisin Espaola (TVE). She became a renowned reporter after traveling to New York to bring news of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and visiting Iraq at the onset of President Bush's military campaign. The Spanish Press Association rewarded her with a Best Reporter Under 30 award.

At a dinner party in the fall of 2002, all of Ortiz's plans would change, however. There, she met His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne. Instead of being intimidated by this much-loved, and available, prince, Ortiz engaged him in conversation and soon, sparks flew. For one year, they dated in secret; Ortiz didn't even tell her parents about their involvement.

The Prince and Ortiz finally announced their relationship on November 1, 2003, at a much-publicized press conference. To the great surprise of everyone, however, they also announced their engagement.

A commoner had never been in line to rise to queen as Ortiz would be, but the idea was not met with hostility, nor was the fact that she was once divorced.

Though her middle-class upbringing and past relationships were accepted by the Prince's parents, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, they had a hard time swallowing the news that came in early 2004.

Waldo Saveedra announced to the Mexican press that he had painted the future princess nude and was going to reveal the piece of art in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on May 22, 2004, the day of the royal wedding.


I would like to hear your comments and opinions of this very controversial figure in the spanish monarchy.

The Metternich System

Prince Metternich , Austrian chancellor and foreign minister, dominated the European political scene after 1815. The architect of the Congress of Vienna he represented and embodied the conservative and autocratic values of the period. He was driven from power in 1848 when a revolution in Vienna forced him to flee the country. The following are two interesting quotes of his which pose an interesting dilemma for those of us who believe in these ideals.

“Two words are enough to create evil, two words which because they are empty of meaning, enchant the dreamers by emptiness. These two words are Liberty & Equality.”

“The people let themselves be duped easily enough, you cannot exaggerate the goodness of the people, I might even say of all people’s, but their ignorance is great, and therefore they must be led.”


What are your opinions? How do these ideas apply to Spain during this period?