Madrid PAU History of Spain (Historia de España - Madrid 2026) key terms

Democratic regime established on 14 April 1931 after the fall of the monarchy, marked by reformist policies, political polarisation and internal conflict.

Two-year period from 1933 to 1935 of conservative government that reversed agrarian and labour reforms, deepening confrontation between left and right in the Republic.

Conflict from 1936 to 1939 between the Republican government and a military rebellion, shaped by foreign intervention and ending in Francoist victory.

Volunteer units organised by the Communist International to fight for the Republic, arriving from 1936 and symbolising the war's international dimension.

Authoritarian dictatorship led by General Franco from 1939 to 1975, combining repression, single-party rule, Catholic nationalism and later economic modernisation.

Economic package of 1959 that liberalised trade and investment, curbing inflation and preparing the rapid growth of the following decade.

Process after Franco's death in 1975 that dismantled the dictatorship through legal reform, political amnesty, elections in 1977 and a negotiated constitution.

Current Spanish constitution, approved by referendum, establishing a parliamentary monarchy, territorial autonomy and extensive fundamental rights.

Agreements of 1977 between government, parties and unions on economic austerity and institutional reform, stabilising the young democracy amid economic crisis.

Territorial model created under the 1978 Constitution, dividing Spain into autonomous communities with their own statutes, parliaments and competences.

Organic law that defines the institutions, competences and financing of an autonomous community within the Spanish constitutional framework.

Assembly convened in 1810 during the Peninsular War that drafted the Constitution of 1812, establishing national sovereignty and a single chamber.

Liberal Spanish constitution proclaimed in Cádiz, asserting national sovereignty, equality before the law, freedom of the press and a constitutional monarchy.

Traditionalist movement supporting Don Carlos and his descendants against the liberal monarchy, defending religion, regional charters and a strong monarchy.

Civil conflict from 1833 to 1840 between supporters of Isabella II and the Carlist pretender, fought mainly in the Basque provinces and Catalonia.

State-organized sale of ecclesiastical and municipal property, notably under Mendizábal and Madoz, intended to raise revenue and alter property ownership; sales did not guarantee an equitable distribution to small farmers.

Political system of Isabella II's reign built on a restricted census suffrage and alternating moderate and progressive parties, with the crown and army playing decisive roles.

System from 1874 to 1923 designed by Cánovas del Castillo, based on the Constitution of 1876, a two-party rotation and electoral manipulation through local bosses.

Practice in which local notables controlled elections and public services through patronage and pressure, ensuring the planned alternation of parties in rural Spain.

Document or object produced in the period under study, such as a law, letter, photograph or archaeological find, used as direct evidence by the historian.

Later work that interprets and synthesises evidence, such as a history book or academic article, rather than originating in the period being studied.

Method of assessing a source's authorship, date, purpose, audience and reliability before using its content as evidence in an argument.

Exam exercise that classifies a historical document, explains its ideas and context, and assesses its significance for the period studied.

Explanation of change by distinguishing long-term structures, medium-term conditions and immediate triggers, and by weighing their relative importance.

Ordering of events and periods in time, used to establish sequence, duration and contemporaneity when analysing processes such as the Reconquista or the Transition.