Basque Nationalism & Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: 19th & 20th Century
The Emergence of Basque Nationalism in the Late 19th Century
Basque nationalism emerged as a concrete and structured response to the social, economic, and ideological transformations within Basque society during the second half of the 19th century. The nationalist project, initially limited to Vizcaya and expanding to other provinces from 1920, was spearheaded by the petty and middle bourgeoisie, drawing its ideals from the peasantry.
The profound demographic, economic, and social changes brought about by Bilbao’s industrialization process radically restructured Basque society. This new society was characterized by distinct groups: a statist gentry, a socialist proletariat, a peasantry that was originally Carlist and potentially nationalist, and a petty bourgeoisie that was not leading the transformation.
In 1895, Sabino Arana founded the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV). Arana’s ideology was rooted in fundamentalism and Carlism. Key tenets of his ideology included:
- The belief that Euzkadi (the Basque Country) is a nation by birthright, possessing the objective factors to be one.
- The assertion that every nation has the right to independence from an oppressive state.
- The establishment of Basque national laws.
- The condemnation of both capitalism and socialism.
Internal tensions existed within the party until 1920. Arana also established a nationalist newspaper (Euzkadi daily) and created nationalist symbols like the ikurriña (Basque flag) and the lauburu (Basque cross).
During the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, nationalists faced harsh persecution. However, with the advent of the Second Republic, the PNV’s primary focus shifted towards achieving the Statute of Autonomy.
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
From 1923 to 1930, General Miguel Primo de Rivera seized power through a coup d’état and became the head of the Spanish government. Primo de Rivera aimed to militarize the country, addressing urgent social demands such as social unrest and terrorism, resolving the war in Morocco, modernizing the political system, and suppressing Catalan nationalism.
Phases of the Dictatorship
The dictatorship can be divided into three phases:
- Initial Phase: Focused on militarization and addressing immediate social issues.
- Second Phase: Characterized by a policy of personal consolidation of power.
- Final Phase (1927-1930): Marked by attempts to demilitarize the regime and create a new state structure.
Objectives and Actions
Primo de Rivera’s main objectives were to:
- End corruption within the existing political system.
- Resolve the Moroccan conflict.
- Ensure public order.
- Suppress separatist movements.
To achieve these goals, the dictator suspended constitutional guarantees and declared a state of war throughout Spain. Demonstrations and strikes were banned, leading the CNT (National Confederation of Labor) to self-suspend. While political parties were not officially abolished, the Congress and the elective Senate were dissolved.
Despite initial support from the Catalan bourgeoisie, Primo de Rivera pursued a policy of moderate anti-Catalanism, targeting both moderate and radical Catalan nationalists. Public pressure forced the military and Primo de Rivera to intervene in Morocco, building on a successful attempt to stabilize their politics.
Economic Policies
The dictatorship was presented as a temporary solution to Spain’s problems. Measures included suspending the constitution, dissolving Parliament, and establishing a military directory to govern the country. Economic policy was characterized by strong state intervention, protectionism, and the organization of production. This state interventionism led to significant national debt, primarily benefiting large capitalists.
Downfall
The army was Primo de Rivera’s primary support base. However, the dictator’s monarchical leanings led to deteriorating relations with the king and, consequently, with the army. Combined with the state’s financial difficulties and his own declining health, Primo de Rivera resigned, paving the way for the Second Republic.