Spanish Geography

Question 1

How many provinces does Spain have, and how is it geographically divided?

Answer 1

Spain has 50 provinces and is divided into 17 autonomous regions.

Question 2

What is the official language of Spain, and what other languages are spoken?

Answer 2

Spanish (Castilian) is the official language, with Catalan in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country.

Question 3

Which two major groups of islands belong to Spain, and where are they located?

Answer 3

The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean.

Question 4

When did Muslims invade Spain, and what was their influence on the language?

Answer 4

Muslims invaded in 711, and many Spanish words that begin with “al-” have Arabic roots.

Question 5

What is the Alhambra, and why is it significant?

Answer 5

Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, the Alhambra is a large palace in Granada with Islamic and Christian architecture, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Question 6

What does the term “Reconquista” refer to in Spanish history?

Answer 6

The Reconquista was the effort by Spaniards to reclaim Spain from Muslim rule, lasting from 711 to 1492.

Question 7

Who was Alfonso X, and what was his contribution to the Spanish language?

Answer 7

Alfonso X was a king of Castilla-León (1252-1284) who promoted Castilian as the official language, helping unify Spain linguistically.

Question 8

What was El Cantar del Mio Cid, and what is its significance in medieval Spain?

Answer 8

El Cantar del Mio Cid is an anonymous 12th-century poem that depicts the story of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid), a warrior in the Reconquista. He fights for his honor and secures marriages for his daughters with noble heirs, embodying the virtues of loyalty and bravery in medieval Spain.

Question 9

Who were Isabel and Fernando, and what was their role in Spanish unification?

Answer 9

Isabel and Fernando, also known as “The Catholic Monarchs,” unified Spain through their marriage in 1469, merging Castile and Aragon. They strengthened the Reconquista, explored new lands, and expelled non-converting Muslims and Jews, establishing a united Christian Spain.

Question 10

What marked the end of the Reconquista, and what was the fate of non-Catholics in Spain afterward?

Answer 10

The capture of Granada in 1492 ended the Reconquista, and subsequently, Jews and Muslims who did not convert to Catholicism were expelled or scrutinized under the Inquisition.

Question 11

What was the purpose of the Inquisition established by Fernando II and Isabel I?

Answer 11

The Inquisition, founded in 1478, aimed to discover and punish converted Jews and Muslims suspected of heresy. It used severe interrogation methods to enforce religious conformity and lasted until 1834.

Question 12

Describe the Spanish Armada and its significance in Spanish history.

Answer 12

The Spanish Armada was a powerful fleet with over 130 ships and 20,000 sailors. In 1588, it was defeated by England, marking a turning point that signaled the decline of Spain’s dominance in Europe.

Question 13

How did the Bourbons influence Spain’s governance and its colonies?

Answer 13

The Bourbon dynasty, beginning with Philip V, introduced reforms to centralize power, streamline bureaucracy, and increase control over Spanish colonies, laying the groundwork for later independence movements in Latin America.

Question 14

What is the role of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), founded in 1713?

Answer 14

The RAE regulates the Spanish language, standardizes new words, and publishes dictionaries and grammars. Its motto is “Limpia, fija y da esplendor,” promoting linguistic unity across Spanish-speaking countries.

Question 15

What is La Celestina, and why is it significant?

Answer 15

La Celestina, written by Fernando de Rojas in 1499, is a dialogue-driven novel that bridges the Spanish medieval and Renaissance periods, focusing on human relationships and reviving attention to ancient Roman comedies.

La Celestina is a famous work of Spanish literature, considered one of the most important early masterpieces of Spanish Renaissance literature. Originally titled Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea (Tragicomedy of Calisto and Melibea), it was written by Fernando de Rojas and first published in 1499. The work is notable for its innovative form and deep exploration of human nature, love, and societal values.

Question 16

What does El Siglo de Oro refer to in Spanish history?

Answer 16

El Siglo de Oro, or the “Golden Century,” spans the 1500s-1600s when Spanish art, literature, and music flourished, supported by the Habsburgs, establishing Spain as a major cultural center.

Question 17

Who was Garcilaso de la Vega, and what was his contribution to Spanish poetry?

Answer 17

Garcilaso de la Vega (1501-1536) introduced Italian poetic forms, like sonnets, to Spain, adapting them into Spanish. His work often explores love and life themes, deeply impacting Spanish poetry.

Question 18

What was El Greco known for in Spanish art?

Answer 18

El Greco (1541-1614) brought a unique, expressionistic style to Spain with works characterized by bold brushstrokes, religious themes, and emotional intensity. His legacy influenced modern artists like Picasso.

Question 19

Describe Miguel de Cervantes’ contributions to Spanish literature.

Answer 19

Cervantes (1547-1616) is famous for Don Quixote, a novel blending satire and realism that critiques chivalric traditions and explores themes of madness and idealism, shaping modern European literature.

Question 20

What were Félix Lope de Vega’s contributions to Spanish theater?

Answer 20

Lope de Vega (1562-1635) revolutionized Spanish theater with his 3-act comedies and complex character development, producing over 1,500 plays and exploring themes of society, honor, and religion.

Question 21

Who was Francisco de Quevedo, and what style is he known for?

Answer 21

Quevedo (1580-1645) was a prolific Siglo de Oro poet known for conceptismo, a style that emphasized brevity and wit. His satirical works often critiqued society and politics.

Key Figures:
One of the most notable writers associated with conceptismo is Francisco de Quevedo, who employed sharp wit and satire in his poetry and prose to critique society, politics, and human nature. Quevedo’s work is characterized by his clever, dense, and concise expression, making him a hallmark of this style.

Characteristics of Conceptismo:

•Emphasis on wit, wordplay, and intellectual depth

•Use of metaphors and paradoxes to convey complex ideas

•Focus on ideas and themes rather than flowery language

•Satirical and often critical of societal norms

Question 22

What is Diego Velázquez best known for in Spanish art?

Answer 22

Velázquez (1599-1660), a court painter for King Philip IV, is celebrated for Las Meninas, a complex portrayal of Spanish royalty. His works depict both nobility and commoners with realism and depth.

Question 23

What style did Bartolomé Esteban Murillo contribute to Spanish painting?

Answer 23

Murillo (1618-1682) developed a soft, warm style, popular with the Spanish elite. He depicted religious scenes and everyday life with tenderness, influencing later Spanish art.

Question 24

What is zarzuela, and where did it originate?

Answer 24

Zarzuela is a Spanish performing art mixing theater and music, originating in the 17th century. Initially popular among Spanish royalty, it spread to countries like Cuba and remains a distinct Spanish genre.

Zarzuela is a Spanish form of musical theater that combines spoken dialogue, operatic singing, popular songs, and often dance. It originated in Spain in the 17th century, blending elements of opera, theater, and popular Spanish folk music, making it a unique and vibrant genre.

Question 25

What were the Peninsular War and Spanish War for Independence?

Answer 25

From 1807-1814, Spain fought to free itself from French rule under Napoleon, culminating in the successful expulsion of French forces and inspiring a national movement for Spanish independence.

Question 26

How did Latin America achieve independence, and what was Spain’s response?

Answer 26

Inspired by democratic ideals, Latin American colonies fought for and won independence from Spain during the early 19th century, significantly impacting Spain’s economy and global influence.

Question 27

What led to the loss of Spain’s last colonies in the Americas?

Answer 27

The Spanish-American War in 1898, provoked by U.S. intervention, led to Spain’s loss of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, marking the end of its colonial empire.

Question 28

Who was Francisco Goya, and what was his impact on art?

Answer 28

Goya (1746-1828) was a Spanish painter known for his dark, expressive works, blending neoclassicism and romanticism. His influence reached modern art, especially through his stark social commentaries.

Question 29

What was the Spanish Romanticism movement?

Answer 29

Emerging in the early 1800s, Spanish Romanticism emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature. However, it was soon replaced by realism, reflecting society’s shifting values and concerns.

Question 30

Who was Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, and what was his literary style?

Answer 30

Becquer (1836-1870) bridged Romanticism and modern poetry in Spain, known for his lyrical work Rimas, exploring themes of love, life, and death with a mystical quality.

Question 31

What characterizes Spanish Realism in literature?

Answer 31

Spanish Realism, dominant in the late 19th century, focused on depicting everyday life and social issues accurately, often highlighting the struggles of different social classes.

Question 32

What is significant about Benito Pérez Galdós in Spanish literature?

Answer 32

Galdós (1843-1920) is a leading realist author, famed for Episodios nacionales, a series exploring 19th-century Spanish history through diverse perspectives, showing social and political insights.

Question 33

Who was Emilia Pardo Bazán, and what was her contribution to literature?

Answer 33

Pardo Bazán (1852-1921), a Spanish naturalist writer, focused on women’s issues and social conditions in her works, bringing realism and feminist themes into Spanish literature.

Question 34

What was the Generation of ’98, and what themes did they explore?

Answer 34

The Generation of ‘98 was a group of writers reacting to Spain’s 1898 colonial losses, examining national identity, modernization, and social issues with a critical perspective on Spanish conservatism

Question 35

Who was Miguel de Unamuno, and what were his philosophical concerns?

Answer 35

Unamuno (1864-1936), a key Generation of ’98 figure, examined existential themes and the Spanish identity crisis, notably in his essay “Del sentimiento trágico de la vida.”

Question 36

What is Antonio Gaudí known for in Spanish architecture?

Answer 36

Gaudí (1852-1926) created iconic works like the Sagrada Familia, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. His innovative designs are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Question 37

Who was Federico García Lorca, and what themes did he explore in his works?

Answer 37

García Lorca (1898-1936), a Generation of ’27 poet, explored themes of love, death, and Spanish culture in plays and poems, often blending surreal elements with stark social realities.

Federico García Lorca was a Spanish poet, playwright, and theater director, widely regarded as one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. Born in 1898 in Andalusia, Spain, Lorca was part of the Generation of ’27, a group of avant-garde writers who sought to blend traditional Spanish culture with modernist influences. His life and career were tragically cut short in 1936 when he was assassinated at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War, likely due to his liberal political views and his open homosexuality.

Lorca’s work spans poetry, drama, and prose, and he was known for his deep understanding of Andalusian culture, drawing upon its traditions, folklore, and landscapes. His writing often explored intense, universal themes:
1. Love and Desire: Lorca’s works frequently explore the passions and complexities of love, often portraying it as both beautiful and destructive. His poems and plays delve into romantic and sensual love, as well as themes of unrequited love and forbidden desire, reflecting his own personal experiences and the societal constraints of his time.
2. Death: Death is a central theme in Lorca’s works, seen as an inevitable part of human life. He was fascinated by the cycle of life and death, often portraying death with a sense of mystery and reverence. This theme is especially prominent in his plays, like Blood Wedding, where death is portrayed as a dark force shaping human destiny.
3. Identity and Repression: Lorca’s works reflect his own struggles with identity, especially as a homosexual man in conservative Spain. His works explore the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, examining how repression affects people’s lives. This theme is especially evident in The House of Bernarda Alba, where the characters suffer under strict social norms and authoritarian rule.
4. Andalusian Culture and Folklore: Much of Lorca’s work is deeply rooted in his Andalusian heritage, drawing on the region’s traditions, music (like flamenco), and landscapes. His poetry and plays feature rural Spanish life, often focusing on marginalized communities and capturing the spirit and struggles of common people.
5. The Tragic Nature of Human Life: Influenced by ancient Greek tragedy, Lorca’s plays often depict characters caught in tragic situations beyond their control. His characters are frequently bound by fate, family honor, or societal expectations, which lead to inevitable tragedy. This theme is apparent in his “Rural Trilogy” (Blood Wedding, Yerma, and The House of Bernarda Alba), where the protagonists’ desires are in conflict with the rigid moral codes of society.

Lorca’s lyricism, vivid imagery, and poignant themes have made his works timeless. His exploration of love, repression, and fate—set against the backdrop of rural Spain—continues to resonate, reflecting universal human experiences and the beauty and pain of life.

Question 38

What impact did General Francisco Franco have on Spain?

Answer 38

Franco (1892-1975) established a dictatorship after the Spanish Civil War, emphasizing nationalism and traditional values, and suppressing regional languages and democratic freedoms.

Question 39

Describe the Spanish Civil War and its outcome.

Answer 39

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a conflict between Franco’s Nationalists, supported by Germany and Italy, and the Republicans, backed by Mexico and the Soviet Union. The Nationalists won, leading to Franco’s dictatorship.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a brutal conflict between the Republicans, a coalition of left-leaning groups including communists, socialists, and anarchists, and the Nationalists, a right-wing group led by General Francisco Franco. It began when Franco and other military leaders launched a coup against the Spanish Republic, the democratically elected government at the time.

Question 40

How did Francisco Franco’s rule affect Spain culturally and linguistically?

Answer 40

Franco’s dictatorship suppressed regional languages and cultures, centralized power, and implemented conservative social policies. His regime aimed to isolate Spain culturally and economically from foreign influence.

Question 41

What was ETA, and what was its goal?

Answer 41

ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna) was a Basque nationalist and separatist group founded in 1959, seeking Basque independence from Spain. It used terrorist tactics until its disbandment in 2018.

Question 42

What is La Movida, and when did it occur?

Answer 42

La Movida was a cultural movement in Spain during the 1980s following Franco’s death, celebrating freedom of expression, and revitalizing Spanish art, music, and film.

Question 43

Who was Pablo Picasso, and what was his influence on modern art?

Answer 43

Picasso (1881-1973), one of the most influential 20th-century artists, co-founded Cubism and created politically inspired works like Guernica, which protested the Spanish Civil War.

Political Expression: His painting Guernica (1937) is a powerful anti-war statement that portrays the horrors of the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. It remains one of the most famous examples of political art and highlights Picasso’s capacity to blend personal and social themes.

Question 44

What contributions did Joan Miró make to modern art?

Answer 44

Miró (1893-1983) was a surrealist painter and sculptor known for his abstract and imaginative works, like Carnaval de Arlequín, combining elements of fantasy and whimsy.

Joan Miró was a groundbreaking Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist whose work significantly influenced modern art. He is known for his unique style that blends abstract forms with elements of surrealism, yet retains a deeply personal and almost childlike simplicity. Here are some of his key contributions:
1. Pioneering Surrealist and Abstract Art: Miró became associated with surrealism, though he developed a highly individual approach that was less about following the movement’s goals and more about exploring his own subconscious. His art often included dream-like scenes and fantastical creatures, expressing a vibrant inner world and a break from traditional realism.
2. Unique Visual Language: Miró created a distinct visual language of symbols, using bright colors, geometric shapes, and biomorphic forms. This language included stars, moons, eyes, and women, often arranged in abstract yet playful compositions that reflected his Catalan identity and interest in the subconscious.
3. Influence on Abstract Expressionism: Miró’s work, especially in the 1940s, had a significant impact on the development of abstract expressionism in the United States. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko admired Miró’s ability to balance spontaneity and formal structure, as well as his use of large, bold canvases that emphasized gesture and texture.
4. Exploring Different Media: Miró expanded beyond painting, delving into sculpture, ceramics, and even public murals. His work in ceramics, for example, involved collaborations with master ceramicist Josep Llorens Artigas, leading to innovative techniques that influenced later artists. His sculptures and murals, often placed in public spaces, brought modern art to a wider audience and showcased his adaptability.
5. Influence on Avant-Garde Movements: His anti-establishment approach, whimsical style, and symbolic language were widely admired by avant-garde artists. Miró pushed the boundaries of what art could represent, inspiring other modern artists to experiment and explore their own unique voices.

Joan Miró’s legacy endures as one of playfulness, innovation, and rebellion against convention, establishing him as a key figure in modern art who helped pave the way for abstract, surreal, and experimental forms in the 20th century.

Question 45

How did Salvador Dalí influence surrealism?

Answer 45

Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) was a surrealist known for his dreamlike, bizarre images, exemplified in works like The Persistence of Memory, which explored subconscious themes.

Question 46

What is significant about Spanish cinema, especially from the 1930s onward?

Answer 46

Spanish cinema gained international acclaim with directors like Luis Buñuel, known for surreal films. Later, directors like Pedro Almodóvar continued Spain’s cinematic influence with globally recognized films.

Question 47

Describe the diversity of Spanish architecture.

Answer 47

Spanish architecture reflects Roman, Arab, Gothic, and Modernist influences, with notable architects like Antoni Gaudí. Spanish architects have contributed globally, including Santiago Calatrava’s innovative structures.

Question 48

What is Spain’s current political and economic structure?

Answer 48

Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament. It joined the EU, uses the euro, and relies heavily on tourism. Spain also leads in renewable energy, particularly solar power

Question 49

Q: How does Spain approach measurements in daily life?

Answer 49

Spain primarily uses the metric system (e.g., meters, liters, grams), though it sometimes converts from imperial units, especially when interacting with countries using the imperial system.

Question 50

What role has religion historically played in Spain?

Answer 50

The Catholic Church significantly influenced Spain’s politics and culture, especially during Franco’s regime. Today, while many identify as Catholic, secularization has increased with a rise in atheism and non-practicing Catholics.

Question 51

How does family life in Spain differ from other cultures?

Answer 51

Family is central in Spain, with many young adults living with their parents until marriage. Siestas, or afternoon breaks, remain common, and social norms around dressing are more formal compared to the USA.

Question 52

What are some of Spain’s notable festivals?

Answer 52

Spain celebrates La Corrida (bullfighting), Semana Santa (Holy Week), Carnaval, and regional events like Las Fallas in Valencia and La Feria in Seville. The Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage is also significant.

Question 53

What is the language debate in Spain regarding linguistic unity?

Answer 53

Spanish, or castellano, is the official language, but regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country emphasize preserving local languages, creating an ongoing debate on national versus regional linguistic identity.