Historical Dictionary of Spain

"Over the last two centuries, Spain has played an important role in Western Europe. Spanish soldiers and guerrillas helped inflict the first major defeat on Napoleon. It became a symbol of the struggle against fascism during its bloody Civil War (1936-1939). Recently, the country underwent a peaceful transition from military dictatorship to parliamentary democracy and has become a partner within both NATO and the European Union. The "Historical Dictionary of Spain" details these events and examines the country's painful adjustment to modernity. It provides a comprehensive reference guide to the modern economic, social, and political history of Spain beginning with Napoleon's invasion in 1808. Its approximately 400 entries focus on leading figures, key political parties and historical events, economic resources, institutions, geography, and its vibrant cultural life. It is fully cross-referenced and supplemented with a general historical introduction, list of abbreviations and acronyms, detailed chronology, extensive bibliography and bibliographical commentary, a number of tables outlining major economic and political trends, and maps." -- Publisher.