Espana (an Introduction)
Hola! Today we will cross the great straight of Gibraltar to Europe's main continent. Let's start with a little literature, and then move to some information and cultural research.
Spain has an incredibly old history. From cave paintings found at Altamira to our contemporary period. The Romans and Carthaginians fought over Spain in the 3rd century B.C. Part of the Roman Empire Hispania rises and falls at the same time, being overrun by the Vandals in 409 A.D. (later repelled by the Visigoths who rule until the 8th century, followed by the Arabs). During 711-1492, Christians begin to reclaim the area at first slowly, until the Umayyad loss of power in 1031. You probably know what happens leading up to 1492 with the marriage of Isabella and Ferdinand in 1469.
Still curious about Spain & Spanish Customs? Watch this.
Spain suffered a vicious civil war between 1936-1939. The Spanish Civil War divided the country as tens of thousands of civilians were killed for their political or religious views. Those associated with the losing Republicans were persecuted by the victorious conservative Nationalists after the war. Some Leftist Spaniards fled to refugee camps in Southern France. The overthrow of the democratic government allowed dictator General Francisco Franco to rule the regime. During his reign, during the White Terror and the Red Terror, an attempt to genetically cleanse Leftists, including Catholic Priests and school teachers, anywhere between 200,000-350,000 people died, although this number is debated. You can learn more about the Spanish Civil War here. Parts II and III can be found here as well. (This is a high school student's work...something to strive for...)
Our first stop will be with Spanish Civil War poets Juan Ramón Jiménez & Miguel Hernandéz.
Juan Ramon Jimenez won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1956.
Of primary concern is the writer Frederico Garcia Lorca. We will spend some time working with him.
Background for Lorca & Blood Wedding:
Frederico Garcia Lorca
Blood Wedding Trailer
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