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Spain
Leaning about other countries is beneficial for all the people as it provides a perfect
opportunity to get to know about different history and traditions. Such experience is very
beneficial for future work in the conditions of globalization. There are many values,
which are different in Spain and in the United States. The knowledge we get about
another country can change the attitude towards it. We can start looking at many things
differently. We already know much about our own country and learning about another
one is very essential, this can help become a global citizen. It is essential to learn how to
adapt to changes we meet in another country. Such country as Spain has its own
traditions, which can influence everybody who learns about it. For example, a person who
learns Spanish traditions can learn how to conduct calm and comfortable life. The fact is
that, for example, Americans, like to work and get results quickly. Spaniards do not like
to hurry and devote more time to every issue. Also, Spaniards pay much attention to their
cultural traditions, which are reflected in art. Thus every person can adopt this devotion to
culture and art. Spaniards like to organize holidays and their way of life is usually merrier
than the way of life of Americans. Leaning about Spain it is impossible not to adopt this
way of life as Spaniards know how to enjoy life, while Americans devote their life to
business. Moreover, the history of Spain shows that Spaniards are the unique nation that
managed to change its political conditions seamlessly. Some facts from their history can
serve as an example and teach learners to implement changes slowly and without stress.
2. Two Spains
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The Second Spain existed in 1931—1939 during the period of Revolution in Spain.
The term “Two Spains” became relevant due to the influence this period imposed on
Spain’s further development. In modern Spain the events, which happen 75 years ago,
and their consequences are considered ambiguously. People’s Party as one of the main
political forces in the country, represents the analogue of famous Falanga. And the
socialists from PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español) are ideological successors of
Republicans. Irreconcilable controversies about the past and future development of the
country take place till nowadays. Spanish political geography is the direct consequence of
the Civil War. On the one hand today’s Spain arouse affection. Its peaceful transfer from
the dictatorship to democracy can serve as example. However, Spaniards know that not
everything is so great in their country. The members of Royal Family have already
forgotten when they crossed the borders of Basque Country for the last time. Obviously,
they are not going to visit Catalonia – last time their visits were not successful as were
accompanied by burning their photos and Spanish flags. Civil War became the part of the
history, but its consequences are felt even now. The successors of rebels and republicans
continue to dispute and these disputes are not going to finish (Cowans 26).
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3. Democracy
In the modern world democracy is crucial as it determines the welfare of the state.
Every country tried to gain democracy, but not every state managed to gain it seamlessly.
The majority of the countries in the world should have taken effort to gain democracy.
The transfer to democracy in Spain is considered to be the most seamless in the world
history. It happened after the death of Francisco Franco, who was the head of the country
during 35 years. It is essential to mention that during the rule of Franco Spain was a so-
called outlaw of the Western world. The limitations on visiting this country were spread
on American citizens. The main thing is that Spanish nation was split after the Civil War
in 1936-1939 and it seemed that it was split forever. Actually, this war was as cruel and
bloody as Civil War in Russia. Alienation between the republicans and the members of
Falanga were moving from one generation to another. And the struggle with dictatorship
in different and even extreme forms continued during the whole period of Franco’s rule.
After the death of Franco very few citizens hoped that the political conditions in the
country would change. However, the King Juan Carlos declared that he wanted to be the
king of all the Spaniards in the modern and independent society. Navarro, the Premier
Minister, who wanted to continue the dictatorship, was fired. “Falanga” was disbanded.
In 1978 a new democratic constitution was accepted. Thus, slowly and correctly, Spain
managed to create the conditions to overcome the split of the nation. The consequences of
this split still present but the democracy of the country is thriving (Cowans 26).
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Works Cited