LA RESTAURACIÓN BORBÓNICA (1875-1931) | De Alfonso XII a Alfonso XIII

The End of the First Spanish Republic and the Restoration

This section discusses the end of the first Spanish Republic in 1874 and the restoration of the monarchy under Alfonso XII. It introduces the concept of "La Restauración" as a new political system based on stability, turnism, caciquismo (political bossism), and electoral fraud.

The Restoration and Political Stability

• After a coup d'état by General Martínez Campos in December 1874, Alfonso XII, son of Queen Isabel II, was proclaimed king, restoring the Bourbon monarchy.

• The Restoration was characterized by a certain political stability achieved through turnism (alternation of power between two major parties), caciquismo (political bossism), and electoral fraud.

• Electoral fraud was rampant during this period, with instances such as multiple voting or even votes from deceased individuals.

Characteristics of the Restoration Regime

• Despite its stability, the Restoration regime lacked true democracy due to limited political freedom and lack of education in democratic values.

• The Constitution of 1876 established Spain as a constitutional parliamentary monarchy where sovereignty was shared between the king and parliament.

• The two major parties that dominated politics during this period were Antonio Cánovas del Castillo's Conservative Party and Práxedes Mateo Sagasta's Progressive Party.

• Caciquismo played a significant role in controlling rural areas, where influential individuals known as caciques had social, political, and economic power over local inhabitants.

Impact of the Restoration: Industrial Development and Regionalism

This section explores how despite its flaws, the Restoration period led to industrial development in regions like the Basque Country and Catalonia. It also discusses the emergence of regionalist sentiments and the expansion of political freedoms.

Industrial Development and Regionalism

• The Restoration period saw significant industrial development, particularly in regions such as the Basque Country and Catalonia.

• Regionalist sentiments began to emerge during this time, reflecting a desire for greater autonomy and recognition of regional identities.

• The Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) was founded in 1879 by Pablo Iglesias, representing the rise of left-wing ideologies within the political landscape.

Challenges and Decline: Loss of Colonies and Social Unrest

This section highlights the challenges faced by Spain during the Restoration period, including the loss of colonies like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Philippines. It also explores social unrest and conflicts that contributed to its decline.

Loss of Colonies and Political Consequences

• From 1895 onwards, Spain faced independence movements in its remaining colonies, notably Cuba. These movements were supported by the United States, leading to war with Spain.

• In 1898, Spain lost its last colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines), marking a significant political setback known as "Disaster of '98."

Social Unrest and Decline

• Despite attempts at reform through regeneracionismo (movement for modernization), social conflict hindered progress. Movements such as anticlericalism and labor activism led to riots, strikes, and street demonstrations.

• The War in Morocco (1909-1927) further strained resources and caused internal conflicts within Spain.

Conclusion

The Restoration period in Spain marked the end of the first Republic and the restoration of the monarchy under Alfonso XII. While it brought a certain level of stability, it was marred by electoral fraud and political bossism. The regime's industrial development and regionalist sentiments were overshadowed by the loss of colonies and social unrest. Despite attempts at reform, Spain faced significant challenges that contributed to its decline during this period.

Impact of the Annual Disaster and the Rise of Primo de Rivera

This section discusses the impact of the Annual Disaster in Spain in 1923, which led to heightened tensions and a military coup supported by the king.

The Annual Disaster and Military Coup

• The Annual Disaster in 1923 resulted in a significant loss of Spanish soldiers' lives and had a profound impact on Spanish society at that time.

• The disaster led to increased tensions in Spain, which eventually prompted the military to stage a coup with the support of the king.

• Miguel Primo de Rivera, a military leader, seized power through this coup and established an authoritarian dictatorship similar to Mussolini's regime in Italy.

Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship and Economic Prosperity

This section explores Primo de Rivera's dictatorship, his collaboration with King Alfonso XIII, and Spain's economic prosperity during the 1920s.

Collaboration with King Alfonso XIII

• Primo de Rivera governed alongside King Alfonso XIII in a similar fashion to Mussolini's collaboration with King Victor Emmanuel III.

• From 1924 onwards, Spain experienced some prosperity during the "Roaring Twenties," leading to ambitious public works projects and the creation of national companies like Telefónica and Correos (postal service).

Crisis of Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship

This section highlights the crisis faced by Primo de Rivera's dictatorship due to political opposition and external factors such as the Wall Street Crash.

Political Opposition and Economic Crisis

• In 1929, Primo de Rivera's dictatorship entered into crisis due to political opposition within Spain.

• Additionally, external factors such as the Wall Street Crash and its subsequent impact on Europe further weakened Primo de Rivera's hold on power.

• Primo de Rivera's failure to transform the dictatorship into a civilian government, inspired by fascism, contributed to his downfall.

Alfonso XIII's Attempted Restoration of Military Dictatorship

This section discusses King Alfonso XIII's attempt to restore military dictatorship after Primo de Rivera's resignation.

Alfonso XIII's Move and Republican Movements

• Following Primo de Rivera's resignation, King Alfonso XIII attempted to restore military dictatorship by appointing another general, General Berenguer.

• However, this move led to political forces in Spain turning against the king, and republican movements gained strength.

• In 1930, key figures of Spanish republicanism united under the Pact of San Sebastián in preparation for the arrival of the Second Republic.

Conclusion and Future Topics

This section briefly concludes the discussion and hints at future videos covering the arrival of the Second Republic in April 1931.

Arrival of the Second Republic

• The Second Republic is set to arrive in April 1931, which will be explored in upcoming videos.

• The video ends with a call-to-action for viewers to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for future content.

Timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly.