Anarchism & Socialism in Late 19th Century Spain
Spanish Anarchism: FTRE and Internal Divisions
In 1881, the existing Spanish workers’ federation reorganized and adopted the name FTRE (Federation of Workers of the Spanish Region). While having an anarchist profile under figures like Anselmo Lorenzo, it aimed for broad affiliation. This name change occurred for two main reasons: firstly, a new law on associations deemed organizations linked to international bodies illegal, and the name change allowed the FTRE to detach itself formally. Secondly, it was an attempt to project a new image for the association and attract more members.
Anarcho-communists vs. Anarcho-syndicalists
A significant division emerged within Spanish anarchism:
- Anarcho-communists (active mainly 1890-1897): Advocated for direct action, violence, and terrorism. They held radical positions and carried out harsh actions, particularly in Catalonia and Andalusia. Their targets included the state, the bourgeoisie, and the church.
- Anarcho-syndicalists: Believed violence was counterproductive. They emphasized the importance of trade unions (syndicates) as the primary tool for organizing the masses. In 1907, they created Solidaridad Obrera, which, in 1911, promoted the formation of the national union CNT (National Confederation of Labour).
This split originated partly from events like the 1883 trial concerning the “Black Hand” (La Mano Negra), an alleged secret anarchist organization in Andalusia. The trial resulted in death sentences for several peasants, widely considered innocent. This outcome pushed one faction of anarchists towards violent retaliation, while another sector opted for organization and dialogue through unions.
Radical Anarchist Actions (Anarcho-communists)
Prominent actions by the radical wing included:
- 1893: Fourteen bomb attacks were carried out in Barcelona, including one against Captain General Martínez Campos (who survived the attack, though others died). Santiago Salvador was executed for a bombing at the Liceu opera house later that year, although his anarchist affiliation was debated posthumously.
- Liceu Bombing (1893): In what was framed as retaliation for executions, anarchists bombed the Liceu theater (a symbol of the bourgeoisie), causing numerous deaths. The ensuing repression led to 415 arrests and six executions.
- Corpus Christi Procession Attack (1896): An attack on the Corpus Christi procession resulted in many deaths and over thirty wounded, not all of whom were wealthy or bourgeois.
- Montjuïc Process (1897): Following the Corpus Christi attack, the Montjuïc process indicted 87 people, resulting in 5 death sentences and 20 prison sentences. Others were deported without possibility of return.
- Assassination of Cánovas del Castillo (1897): In Gipuzkoa, Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo was assassinated by the Italian anarchist Michele Angiolillo.
These events led to Barcelona becoming known as the “city of bombs.”
Marxism and Socialism in Spain
Marxism/Socialism gained traction primarily in Asturias, Vizcaya, Valencia, and Madrid. Its rise began after the 1872 split in the Spanish section of the First International, leading to the formation of the ‘New Madrid Federation’, which included Pablo Iglesias.
PSOE Formation and Characteristics
In 1879, this group evolved into the ‘Madrid Socialist Group’ (Agrupación Socialista Madrileña), led by Pablo Iglesias, the forerunner of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party), Spain’s first major socialist party. Key features of the early PSOE included:
- It was a working-class party.
- It followed Marxist ideology.
- While advocating for social revolution, its political actions were reformist (demanding the extension of social rights, universal suffrage, reduction of the workday, and regulation of child labor).
- Its party newspaper was El Socialista, first published in 1886.
UGT Formation and Early Actions
In 1888, a trade union linked to the PSOE, the UGT (General Union of Workers), was founded. The need for such a union had been identified at the first PSOE congress in Barcelona. The UGT aimed to encompass all sectors of production and society. It was Spain’s first mass trade union and favored collective bargaining, while still reserving the right to strike.
In 1889, the Second International was founded with a key objective: campaigning for the 8-hour workday. The PSOE quickly affiliated with the Second International.
In 1890, the PSOE was the first organization in Spain to promote the celebration of May 1st (Labor Day), demanding a reduction in working hours.
In 1910, the PSOE achieved its first seat in the Spanish Congress, occupied by Pablo Iglesias.