Wikipedia: History of History of Spain

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Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. The Napoleonic invasion gave the opportunity to the American colonies to claim its independence. By the end of the 19th century, Spain had lost most of its colonial posessions. In the 20th century, monarchy was replaced by a short lived republic, that after the Spanish Civil War was replaced by the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community; Francisco Franco ruled until his death on November 20th 1975. Spain is now a constitutional monarchy. Now, Spain is formed by 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla). One of the most important problems nowadays is the Basque separatist movement, especially the terrorist group ETA.

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. The Napoleonic invasion gave the opportunity to the American colonies to claim its independence. By the end of the 19th century, Spain had lost most of its colonial posessions. In the 20th century, monarchy was replaced by a short lived republic, that after the Spanish Civil War was replaced by the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating Civil War (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, it has played a catch-up role in the western international community; Francisco Franco ruled until his death on November 20th 1975 when control was given to Juan Carlos.

At present, Spain is a constitutional monarchy, and is comprised of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla). One of the most important problems facing Spain today is the Basque separatist movement, especially the terrorist group ETA.

	Revision 34 . . (edit) November 27, 2001 2:11 pm by Judaskampf [added links, edited last lines]
	Revision 33 . . November 19, 2001 11:22 pm by (logged).209.100.xxx [control given to Juan Carlos]
	Revision 32 . . October 26, 2001 11:45 pm by Rmhermen