Alfonso XIII’s Reign: Modernization Attempts and Crisis
Reign of Alfonso XIII: Modernization Attempts
At the beginning of Alfonso XIII’s reign, the fundamentals of the Restoration, the 1876 Constitution, political parties, and caciquismo were still in force. However, his accession to the throne coincided with the impact of the Disaster of ’98 and the rise of Regenerationism, the advance of socialist and nationalist Republican parties. The new king decided to intervene in politics and exert military power.
Conservative Regenerationism: “Revolution from Above”
Maura initiated a new political project to incorporate new social strata (the “neutral mass”) into conservative politics. He sought to implement reforms “from above” to prevent a “revolution from below.” During his government (1907-1909), he enacted the Electoral Law of 1907 to end caciquismo and introduced social reforms like the Sunday Rest Law. However, Maura’s project failed due to increasing military intervention. The Army demanded a law establishing military jurisdiction over offenses against the army, leading to the Tragic Week in Barcelona. This began with protests against the deployment of reservists to Morocco, escalating into a general strike and violent anti-radical revolt, which the army suppressed.
Liberal Regenerationism: Gutter Reforms
Cana aimed to promote reforms in social and labor issues, separate church and state, and democratize the political system.
These objectives were pursued through the Lock Law (regulating religious orders), the abolition of the consumption tax, the Conscription Law, limitations on child and female labor, and the preparation of the Law of Mancomunidades. However, Cana’s assassination and the ineffectiveness of the new leaders led to the failure of liberal Regenerationism.
The Crisis of the Restoration Political System (1914-1923)
Impact of World War I
The war provided an extraordinary boost to the Spanish economy through exports and strengthened non-dynastic parties (Catalan, Republican, Socialist).
The Crisis of 1917
The critical situation arose from the confluence of a military protest demanding economic and professional improvements, a political movement seeking to undermine the dynastic parties, and a general strike demanding better wages and profit-sharing.
Collapse of the Restoration Political System
Severe social unrest during the Trienio Bolchevique (strikes, protests, gangsterism, terrorism) radicalized sections of workers. The dynastic parties decomposed, causing governmental instability (13 governments in 6 years), and the monarch’s constant intervention aggravated the instability.
The Problem of Morocco
After losing colonies in 1898, Spain sought an alternative in the North African Rif region. This area, under Spanish control, was populated by Berber tribes, and resistance led to bloody conflicts, such as the Lobo Ravine incident. An attempt to expand the zone of influence from Melilla to Annual resulted in a disaster in the Rif, where Spanish troops were completely defeated.