LA CRISIS DE LA RESTAURACIÓN (1902-1931) | Historia de España 🇪🇸

Introduction to 20th Century Spain

Overview of the 20th Century in Spain

• The 20th century marks a significant period in Spanish history, characterized by transformation, revolution, and the devastation of a civil war.

• Various political and social movements sought to impose their vision of Spain during this tumultuous time.

The Restoration Regime under Alfonso XIII

Political Evolution (1902-1909)

• The early decades were marked by continuous government crises, with notable social conflicts such as strikes in Barcelona and mining disputes in Bilbao.

• Increased membership in labor unions like UGT and growing electoral support for PSOE highlighted rising social tensions.

Religious Influence and Military Issues

• Progressive sectors criticized the Church's influence over education, advocating for reduced power which would impact society at large.

• The military faced challenges post-colonial loss (1898), struggling with resource shortages while maintaining national security.

Rise of Nationalism and Social Unrest

Catalonia's Economic Struggles

• Economic repercussions from colonial losses fueled nationalist sentiments, particularly among the bourgeoisie in Catalonia.

Escalation of Tensions

• A satirical caricature offending military officials led to violent protests by army officers against printing houses in Barcelona.

The Tragic Week of Barcelona (Semana Trágica)

Causes of the Crisis

• Nationalist success combined with increased labor mobilization created a volatile environment leading up to the Semana Trágica.

Government Response

• Authoritarian measures taken by Prime Minister Maura intensified opposition against both his government and the Restoration system.

Moroccan Crisis Impact

Military Mobilization Consequences

• Increased Spanish military presence in Morocco sparked local resentment, culminating in attacks on Spanish railway workers.

Protests Erupting into Violence

• In response to violence against workers, Maura's government mobilized reservists, leading to severe protests especially in Barcelona that escalated into riots.

Aftermath and Political Landscape Post-Maura

Shift Towards Neutrality During WWI

• Following Maura’s resignation, Eduardo Dato navigated Spain through World War I with a stance of neutrality due to perceived diplomatic weaknesses.

Spain's Industrial Expansion and Social Consequences

Economic Growth Amidst Conflict

• Spain experienced industrial expansion and increased exports starting in 1915, despite not participating directly in the conflict. This growth led to negative social consequences, including rising unemployment as soldiers returned home during the war.

• The inflation of prices was not matched by an increase in wages, exacerbating economic disparities and contributing to social unrest.

Rise of Labor Movements

• The economic issues sparked a resurgence of labor organizations, leading to widespread protests and near-constant strikes that culminated in a significant crisis in 1917. This period is known as the Crisis of 1917.

• Most strikes were initiated by the UGT union, but on March 27, a general strike occurred with participation from the CNT union as well. In response, the government suspended constitutional guarantees.

Government Response and Military Discontent

• The general strike was pivotal to the crisis; government repression followed its declaration alongside martial law being imposed with military presence on the streets. There was also discontent within the military due to budgetary constraints and low salaries.

• Officers began forming defense committees to advocate for their professional and economic demands amid growing dissatisfaction within military ranks.

Political Turmoil and Calls for Reform

• On June 1, 1917, a manifesto served as an ultimatum from military defense committees demanding recognition of their claims; however, the government's refusal highlighted its inability to maintain discipline within armed forces.

• A political assembly called by various reformist groups took place in Barcelona with around 70 senators and deputies advocating for governmental change and constituent elections; this led to arrests ordered by the government but later released individuals.

Escalation of Crises Leading to Military Coup

• Continuous instability among governments compounded existing issues along with disastrous events like the Annual disaster in 1921 where Spanish troops faced severe losses against RIF guerrillas led by Ab El Krim resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths during retreat efforts.

• The failure at Annual prompted political parties such as PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and Republicans to call for withdrawal from Morocco amidst fears generated by revolutionary movements across Europe leading up to Miguel Primo de Rivera's coup d'état in September 1923.

Factors Leading Up To Miguel Primo de Rivera's Coup

Underlying Causes of Unrest

• Key factors contributing to unrest included nationalistic movements from Basque and Catalan regions opposing centralized governance while republicanism challenged royal authority over military leadership amidst fears of socialist revolutions inspired by Russia’s example.

• The establishment of the Communist Party of Spain further alarmed conservative sectors who viewed it as an extension of Russian communism alongside rising prices affecting everyday life during interwar periods which fueled anti-democratic sentiments leading up to Rivera’s coup attempt on September 13th, 1923.

Support for Military Intervention

• General Miguel Primo de Rivera received backing from King Alfonso XIII who hoped this intervention would lead towards national regeneration addressing pressing societal issues through repressive policies aimed at restoring order while resolving conflicts like those occurring in Morocco effectively ending terrorism threats domestically too.

The Military Dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera

Suspension of the Constitution and Establishment of Military Rule

• The 1876 Constitution was suspended, leading to the persecution of the Communist Party of Spain and the CNT union.

• A military directory was established under Nofira's leadership until 1925, declaring a state of war, dissolving courts, and censoring the press.

• Support for this military government came from landowning and industrial oligarchies that had previously collaborated with the Restoration system.

Policies and Actions Under Military Rule

• Key measures included banning regional symbols like the Catalan flag and restricting the use of Catalan language to private settings; regionalism was equated with separatism.

• Formation of a new political party, Unión Patriótica, modeled after Mussolini's National Fascist Party in Italy.

• In 1925, following military successes in Morocco, a civil directory replaced the military one to institutionalize dictatorship.

Economic Measures and Public Works

• The National Consultative Assembly was created in 1927 primarily composed of Unión Patriótica members; it aimed to draft a constitution-like law.

• Establishment of a state-controlled labor organization as a single union to mediate between employers and workers; all forms of labor movements were banned.

• Significant investments were made in public works (irrigation, sanitation), alongside interventionist economic policies favoring banking monopolies.

Opposition to Primo de Rivera's Regime

• Various groups opposed the dictatorship: liberals against power concentration, republicans against monarchy collaboration, socialists/anarchists/ intellectual circles opposing authoritarianism.

• Internal opposition within the army emerged due to Miguel Primo de Rivera’s arbitrary rule; economic crises exacerbated discontent among workers.

Decline and Fall of Dictatorship

• The Wall Street Crash in 1929 severely impacted Spain’s economy leading to currency devaluation; widespread worker dissatisfaction resulted in strikes.

• On January 27, 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned but attempts were made by his successors to prolong dictatorial governance amidst rising opposition.

Transition Towards Democracy

• General Berenguer succeeded as dictator initiating "dictablanda," an effort towards restoring constitutional freedoms while managing growing opposition.

• The San Sebastián Pact signed by republicans and socialists aimed at overthrowing both dictatorship and monarchy for establishing democracy.