Description
Spain in Crisis
Book Summary
A collective work that brings together seven of the most prominent specialists in Spanish economic history to offer a panoramic view of the major crises that have marked the country's development over the last seven hundred years. From the late medieval crisis caused by the Black Death to the upheavals of the 20th century, this book analyzes the causes, development, and consequences of each recession period, providing the reader with the keys to understanding the complex relationship between economic cycles and the social, political, and institutional evolution of Spain.
What is it about?
The book systematically and rigorously examines the most significant economic crises that Spain has experienced from the Middle Ages to the present. Through seven chapters, each written by an expert in the corresponding period, it addresses episodes such as the 14th-century crisis, the bankruptcy of the Imperial Treasury in the 16th century, the 17th-century depression, the crises of the Ancien Régime, the instability of the 19th century, the recession of the 1930s, and the financial crisis that began in 2008. The work does not limit itself to describing events, but delves into the structural factors, political decisions, and international contexts that conditioned each crisis, offering the reader tools to understand the historical dynamics that have shaped the country's economic reality.
Main themes
- Historical economic crises in Spain from the 14th to the 21st century.
- Relationship between economic cycles and social, political, and institutional transformations.
- Analysis of structural factors such as the tax system, public debt, and foreign trade.
- Impact of global crises (Black Death, 17th-century crisis, Great Depression) on the Spanish economy.
- Long-term consequences of recessions on the country's growth and modernization.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the economic history of Spain, students and professionals of economics, history, and social sciences, as well as anyone who wishes to understand the historical roots of current economic problems from a rigorous and accessible perspective.
What this book offers
- An overview of Spanish economic crises over seven centuries, prepared by seven highly prestigious specialists.
- A comparative analysis that allows for the identification of recurring patterns and differential elements in each period of recession.
- Historical keys to understanding the evolution of the Spanish economy and its relationship with processes of political and social change.
- A reference work that combines academic rigor with a clear and accessible presentation for the non-specialist reader.
Technical Data Sheet
- Author: Maluquer de Motes, Jordi; Llopis, Enrique
- Publisher: Editorial Pasado y Presente
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Society and culture: general, Sociology and anthropology, Social services and welfare, Criminology, Politics and government, Economics, Economic history, Finance and accounting
- Collection: Essay
- Binding: Hardcover
- Edition date: January 2013
- Number of pages: 260
- Weight: 244 g
Editorial Review
Spain in Crisis is presented as a collective work of great academic solvency that manages to synthesize seven hundred years of economic history into a manageable and well-structured volume. The diversity of the authors' approaches and specializations enriches the analysis without losing narrative coherence, making it a useful read both for those seeking an introduction to the subject and for those who wish to delve into specific periods. Its main value lies in offering a long-term perspective that helps to contextualize contemporary crises within a historical tradition of recessions and recoveries, avoiding simplistic or circumstantial explanations. A recommended reference for any library of Spanish economic history.