The history of Spain has been revitalized since the death of Franco in 1975 and the restoration of democracy. Taking advantage of unprecedented access to archives, historians have explores long-standing issues more fully as well as bringing new questions to bear, adopting new methodologies, and developing new interpretations. The traditional view of Spain is somehow beyond the orbit of other European countries is in retreat and it is part of the purpose of the present volume to mark this reintegration of Spanish history into the history of western Europe as a whole. Leading Spanish scholars have combined with North American and British historians to produce a major re-evaluation of modern Spanish history, the first for some 20 years. Exploring the main issues in social, economic, cultural, and political history within a clear chronological framework, this volume reflects the liveliness and diversity of the field and provides points of entry to key issues for students and scholars alike.