Spanish Frustration: How a Ruinous Empire Thwarted the Nation-State

Spain's old troubles, such as public debts, corruption, unlawfulness, oligarchical politics, territorial splits, and permanent protests and riots, persist in modern Spain due to its imperial adventures for centuries, leading to an incomplete nation and minority democracy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2019
Publisher: Anthem Press

Old troubles with remote origins persist in modern Spain, including huge public debts, extensive corruption, widespread unlawfulness, oligarchical politics, territorial splits, and permanent protests and riots. When did Spain screw up?

The Spanish Frustration provides an interpretation of several important aspects of present-day Spain and its past stories. It argues that, in the long term, Spain missed the opportunity to become a consolidated modern nation-state because it was entangled in imperial adventures for several centuries when it should have been building a solid domestic basis for further endeavors. In short: a ruinous empire made a weak state, which built an incomplete nation, which sustains a minority democracy.

The Spanish Empire was a powerful empire that stretched across much of the world in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. However, it also had a number of problems that contributed to its downfall. One of the biggest problems was the empire's vast size and complexity. With so many territories to govern, the Spanish government was unable to provide effective rule to all of its subjects. This led to a sense of disunity and resentment among the people, who felt that they were not being represented by their government.

Another problem was the empire's economic system. The Spanish government relied heavily on the export of gold and silver from its colonies, which led to a significant drain on the empire's resources. This, in turn, led to economic instability and poverty in many parts of the empire.

The Spanish government also had a number of political problems. The empire was ruled by a monarchy, which was often corrupt and inefficient. This led to a lack of political stability and a tendency for the government to be overthrown by revolts or coups.

Finally, the Spanish Empire was also plagued by a number of social and cultural problems. The empire was divided into a number of different ethnic and religious groups, which led to tensions and conflicts. There was also a significant class divide, with the wealthy ruling class enjoying a great deal of power and privilege while the poor struggled to survive.

In conclusion, the Spanish Empire was a powerful and influential empire, but it also had a number of problems that contributed to its downfall. These problems included the empire's vast size and complexity, its economic system, its political problems, and its social and cultural problems. While the empire's legacy is still felt today, its problems serve as a reminder of the importance of effective government, economic stability, and social justice.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783089888