HACIA LA GUERRA CIVIL 3. EL NEFASTO 17 (1/3). LAS JUNTAS DE DEFENSA

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Key Year: 1917 and Triple Crisis

The year 1917 is highlighted as a crucial period in understanding the crisis of restoration in Spain. It was marked by three significant crises: the crisis of defense boards, parliamentary crisis, and general strike by socialist and radical socialist parties.

Triple Crisis in 1917

• In 1917, Spain faced a triple crisis consisting of defense board issues, parliamentary problems, and a general strike led by socialist and radical socialist parties.

• The outcome of the general strike played a crucial role in shaping events during this year.

Background Leading up to 1917

A brief overview is given about events leading up to 1917. The restoration regime relied on censitary suffrage but still had democratic elements such as freedom of press. However, there were anomalies like periods of censorship due to military jurisdiction laws.

Anomalies in Restoration Regime (1909)

• In 1909, an event known as "Barranco del Lobo" caused significant damage to the restoration regime.

• The mobilization of soldiers who were already discharged for service in Africa led to unrest.

• This event coincided with the "Semana Trágica" (Tragic Week) in Barcelona where riots occurred, including attacks on religious buildings.

• Military units from outside Barcelona were brought in to restore order.

[2m26s] Military Jurisdiction Law of 1906

The military jurisdiction law of 1906, known as the "Ley de Jurisdicciones," is discussed. This law allowed captains general to declare a state of war and gave military courts the power to judge press offenses that could harm the image of the army.

Military Jurisdiction Law (1906)

• The military jurisdiction law, known as the "Ley de Jurisdicciones," was enacted in 1906.

• It granted captains general the authority to declare a state of war based on public order responsibilities.

• Military courts were empowered to try press offenses that could potentially damage the reputation of the army.

[3m35s] Significant Events in 1909

The year 1909 is highlighted as a crucial period when the restoration regime faced its first major crisis. The Barranco del Lobo incident and Tragic Week in Barcelona led to widespread protests and international condemnation.

Crisis in 1909

• In 1909, Spain experienced its first major crisis under the restoration regime.

• The Barranco del Lobo incident, combined with Tragic Week in Barcelona, resulted in protests and riots across various cities.

• International protests against Spanish government actions took place outside embassies, leading to Antonio Maura's conservative government resigning and liberals taking over.

[4m45s] Ferrer i Guàrdia Trial

The trial of Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia is discussed. He was accused without substantial evidence for his alleged involvement in regicide attempts during King Alfonso XIII's wedding day in 1906.

Ferrer i Guàrdia Trial (Regicide Attempt)

• Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia was unjustly accused of being involved in an attempted regicide during King Alfonso XIII's wedding in 1906.

• The trial lacked substantial evidence, and Ferrer i Guàrdia was defended by a captain of engineers.

• Despite the defense's efforts, Ferrer i Guàrdia was sentenced to death under military jurisdiction laws.

[5m58s] Councils of War and European Protests

The use of councils of war and subsequent protests across Europe against Spanish government actions are discussed. These events led to the resignation of Antonio Maura's conservative government.

Councils of War and European Protests

• Those involved in disorders during times of public order were tried in military courts through councils of war.

• After being tried in military courts, individuals could face further trials by councils of war with potential death sentences if found guilty.

• These practices sparked widespread protests outside Spanish embassies across Europe, leading to Antonio Maura's conservative government resigning.

[6m44s] Government Changes and Canalejas' Reforms

The changes in government leadership and reforms introduced by José Canalejas are discussed. Canalejas, a prominent liberal leader, implemented significant changes such as compulsory military service.

Government Changes and Canalejas' Reforms

• Following Antonio Maura's resignation, José Canalejas, a prominent liberal leader, assumed power.

• Canalejas introduced reforms that included implementing compulsory military service for all citizens with certain exceptions.

• Although not entirely universal due to exemptions and the option for redemption through payment, it marked a significant change in Spain's military service system.

Centralism and the First World War

This section discusses centralism in Spain, where there was no regional jurisdiction beyond military regions. The transcript also mentions the benefits of Spain's neutrality during the First World War, which greatly benefited Catalan industry and landowners.

Centralism in Spain

• In Spain, there was a centralist system where only the state, provincial councils, and municipalities existed.

• There was no regional jurisdiction beyond military regions.

Neutrality during the First World War

• In 1914, Spain remained neutral during the First World War.

• This neutrality benefited Spanish entrepreneurs and especially the Catalan industry.

• Due to scarcity in France and Germany, these countries needed to import products from Spain.

• The high demand allowed Spanish entrepreneurs to sell products at very high prices to warring nations.

Economic Crisis and Rise of Workers' Movements

This section focuses on the economic consequences of inflated prices due to high demand during the war. It led to an inflationary crisis and economic downturn in Spain. As a result, workers' movements gained support, particularly the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the National Confederation of Workers (CNT).

Inflationary Crisis

• The inflated prices of basic goods due to high demand during the war caused an inflationary crisis within Spain.

• Prices rose not only for exported goods but also domestically within Spain itself.

• This resulted in a severe economic crisis that pushed many families into poverty.

Rise of Workers' Movements

• The working-class movement gained significant support as a result of widespread poverty caused by the economic crisis.

• The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and especially the National Confederation of Workers (CNT) received substantial backing.

• Anarchism, particularly strong in Barcelona, played a significant role in the workers' movement.

Anarchism in Barcelona

This section highlights the strength of anarchism in Barcelona during this period. Anarchist movements remained powerful until the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939.

Anarchism in Barcelona

• Anarchism had a strong presence in Barcelona, which was distinct from the rest of Catalonia.

• The anarchist movement remained potent throughout this period and continued until the end of the Spanish Civil War.

Crises and Movements against Restoration

This section discusses three major crises that challenged the Restoration regime: the Crisis of Defense Juntas, General Strike, and Assembly of Parliamentarians. It also mentions key figures involved in these events.

Three Crises against Restoration

1. Crisis of Defense Juntas:

• Military personnel were divided between Africanists and those stationed within Spain.

• Disagreements arose regarding military merits and promotions.

• The concept of "military caciquismo" emerged, referring to abuses related to military merits.

2. General Strike:

• A significant event that occurred during this period but will be discussed further in other videos.

• Figures like Indalecio Prieto, Julián Besteiro, Marcelino Domingo, and Francesc Macià played important roles.

3. Assembly of Parliamentarians:

• A revolutionary action taken by parliamentarians within Cortes (Spanish Parliament).

• Notable figures involved include Indalecio Prieto, Julián Besteiro, Marcelino Domingo, and Francesc Macià.

Abuses Regarding Military Merits

This section focuses on abuses related to military merits and the discontent among military personnel stationed within Spain. It also mentions the role of military press in reflecting this discontent.

Abuses Regarding Military Merits

• There were abuses regarding military merits, as is often the case in Spain.

• Some individuals received honors or rewards for combat they did not participate in or while on leave.

• This abuse became evident and led to growing discontent among military personnel stationed within Spain.

Military Press

• The military had its own press, including publications like "Correspondencia Militar," "Heraldo Militar," and "La Gaceta."

• These publications were widely read by officers across different garrisons (military bases).

• The most influential publication was "Correspondencia Militar," which featured articles written by various military personnel under pseudonyms.

Correspondencia Militar

This section focuses on the importance of "Correspondencia Militar" as a widely read publication among military officers. It also mentions Gonzalo Queipo de Llano's writings against abuses related to military merits.

Importance of Correspondencia Militar

• "Correspondencia Militar" was the most popular newspaper among Spanish officers.

• It was read by officers across different garrisons throughout Spain.

Writings Against Abuses

• Gonzalo Queipo de Llano, a Republican and active figure, wrote against abuses related to military merits.

• He used the pseudonym Santiago Vallisoletano when writing for "Correspondencia Militar."

Sanctions on Military Personnel

This section discusses sanctions imposed on several military personnel who participated in writing against abuses related to military merits in "Correspondencia Militar."

Sanctions on Military Personnel

• The Captain General of Madrid decided to sanction several military personnel who participated in writing against abuses related to military merits.

• These individuals had collaborated with "Correspondencia Militar" in exposing the issue of false combat merits.

• As a result, the publication was temporarily censored and closed, and around 300 military personnel were affected.

The Revolution in Barcelona

This section discusses the city of Barcelona as the center of the revolution in Spain, due to its status as a modern and industrial city with significant economic power.

Barcelona's Importance in Spain

• Barcelona was considered the modern and industrial city of Spain.

• It was the country's most important port and home to a wealthy bourgeoisie.

• The Catalan bourgeoisie took advantage of any opportunity to make money, leading to their association with wealth and commercial interests.

Political Significance of Barcelona

• The progress and prosperity of the Catalan bourgeoisie set them apart from the rest of Spain.

• Barcelona served as the gateway for political ideas and modernity from Europe, unlike Madrid.

• Juntas de Defensa (Defense Committees) already existed in Barcelona, organizing tribunals and representing various military branches.

Alberto Aguilera's Actions

• Alberto Aguilera, Minister of War at that time, arrested officers associated with the Junta de Defensa.

• Dissatisfied with this action, Aguilera demanded further measures against the Junta de Defensa.

• General Fago arrested all members of the Junta de Defensa and imprisoned them in Montjuïc Castle.

Military Ultimatum

• In response to these arrests, military personnel in Barcelona issued an ultimatum not only to Aguilera but also to the government.

• They demanded the release of those detained within a specific timeframe.

• This ultimatum marked a significant threat to civilian power by exerting military pressure.

Crisis and End of Restoration

This section highlights how events in 1917 marked a turning point for Spain's Restoration period. It foreshadows subsequent crises that would eventually lead to its downfall.

Triple Crisis

• The events of 1917 initiated a crisis that would have three successive phases.

• These crises ultimately led to the end of the Restoration period, although it would continue for six more years until the coup d'état by Primo de Rivera.

Historical Repetition

• The speaker notes the repetition of history, drawing parallels between different periods.

• In 1876, the Restoration began, followed by a liberal regime.

• In 1976, Spain experienced political reform with the Law of Political Reform.

• In 1917, the triple crisis marked the beginning of the end for the Restoration.

Current Situation in Spain

• The speaker humorously mentions that history has a habit of repeating itself.

• Referring to recent events in Spain (2017), such as Catalonia's independence referendum on October 1st, he suggests that history may be repeating once again.

• He concludes by stating that this video only provides an introduction to the topic and invites viewers to leave comments and visit an interesting historical blog called "El Criticón Histórico."

Due to time constraints, further details about juntas de defensa and their significance were not covered extensively.

Learning and Reading

The speaker expresses their enthusiasm for learning, reading, and the contributions of others. They thank those who provide comments and invite them to continue sharing. They mention upcoming videos and the General Strike of 1917, where they will introduce several individuals.

Importance of Learning and Reading

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and reading.

• They express delight when someone can contribute to their knowledge.

• They appreciate comments from viewers.

Invitation to Share Comments

• The speaker welcomes others to share their thoughts and insights.

• They express gratitude for any contributions made by viewers.

Future Videos and General Strike of 1917

• The speaker mentions upcoming videos.

• They announce that in the next video, they will discuss the General Strike of 1917.

• Several individuals will be introduced in relation to this historical event:

• Largo Caballero

• Indalecio

• Julián Besteiro

• Marcelino Domingo

• Francesc Macià