1976. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1976

In the spring of 1976, a number of well-known exiled writers, historians, and political figures returned to Spain, including Salvador de Madariaga and Claudio Sánchez Albornoz. Throughout the year; strikes and demonstrations put pressure on the new post-Franco regime to implement democratic reforms, release all political prisoners, and grant regional autonomy to areas such as Catalonia and the Basque provinces.	1

July 3

After asking Arias Navarro to step down, King Juan Carlos named Adolfo Suarez prime minister and requested that he form a new cabinet. Suarez created the Democratic Center Union and ruled as prime minister until 1981. Somewhat unexpectedly, Suarez moved away from his previous rightist political inclinations and presided over the first phases of Spain's democratic reforms.	2


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.