La Sociedad de Clases y el Movimiento Obrero

Study Notes

Clases altas: Included the upper bourgeoisie, a diverse group encompassing professionals like doctors, journalists, and high-ranking civil servants. They were the most powerful class, investing heavily in new industries and demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit. They frequented theatres, opera houses, and social gatherings like balls, and spent summers at coastal resorts or spas.
Clase baja: Included the proletariat, workers in the industrial society who sold their labor. They performed jobs requiring minimal skill and earned very low wages, often barely enough to survive. This lack of income prevented upward mobility, and their workdays frequently exceeded 12 hours.

Definición de movimiento obrero: A collection of organized actions by wage earners to improve their working conditions. It emerged when the working class became aware of their unfavorable employment circumstances.
Bases ideológicas: Marxism and anarchism.

Imperialismo: The expansion of a nation's dominance over other countries or territories. The 19th century saw this reach new levels.

El Imperio británico: Held colonies globally, but India was a key area. Control of the Suez Canal and Egypt secured the route to India, prompting additional territorial acquisitions in Asia. British holdings also extended to Africa and Oceania including Canada.

Context: The Spanish monarchy of Carlos IV's reign faced significant social and political unrest amidst the French Revolution and subsequent developments in Europe. Godoy's governance was criticized, contributing to growing discontent within Spanish society.