Labor Unrest and Political Instability in Spain: 1915-1936

Posted on Oct 23, 2024 in History

Labor Unrest in Spain (1915-1930)

Labor unrest in Spain saw a significant increase between 1915 and 1930. This period encompassed the First World War, a time of strong job instability (1918-1921), the rise of political violence, and the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. The war and its aftermath created economic hardship, leading to increased labor protests. The unrest accelerated at the end of the war, reaching its peak in 1920 during a major strike. Following the establishment of the dictatorship, labor unrest decreased dramatically. However, in 1930, the last year of the dictatorship, unrest returned to levels comparable to 1919.

Factors Contributing to Unrest

  • The First World War and its impact on the Spanish economy
  • Post-war job instability
  • Inflation and loss of purchasing power
  • Political instability and the rise of the dictatorship

Key Events

  • The crisis of 1917, marked by the Assembly of Parliamentarians, the agitation of the Boards of Defense, and the General Strike
  • The “Triennium Bolshevik” (1918-1921/23), a period of intense labor and social unrest
  • The establishment of the Primo de Rivera dictatorship in 1923

Manuel Azaña and the Catalan Statute (1932)

In 1932, Manuel Azaña, President of the Council of Ministers, defended the Catalan Statute before the Spanish Council of Ministers. This statute aimed to grant Catalonia autonomy within the Second Spanish Republic. Azaña’s speech highlighted the historical origins of Catalan identity and the legitimacy of Catalonia’s desire for self-governance under the Republic’s Constitution.

Key Provisions of the Catalan Statute

  • Definition of Catalonia as an autonomous region
  • Recognition of Catalan as an official language alongside Spanish
  • Establishment of a Catalan government and parliament
  • Powers over education, public order, and internal security

Consequences and Challenges

  • The statute faced opposition from those who favored a unitary Spain.
  • Its implementation led to conflicts, particularly regarding the Law of Contract Farming.
  • The suspension of the statute following the events of October 1934 further heightened tensions.

Military Reform in the Second Spanish Republic

The Second Spanish Republic undertook significant military reforms, particularly under Manuel Azaña in 1931-1932. These reforms aimed to create a smaller, more professional, and democratic army. A voluntary retirement decree led to a substantial reduction in the number of generals, officers, and officials.

Impact of the Military Reform

  • Significant reduction in the size of the military
  • Modernization of equipment and weaponry
  • Political tensions and resistance from some sectors of the military

The Crisis of 1917 and the General Strike

The crisis of 1917 was marked by a general strike, fueled by deteriorating living conditions and the impact of the First World War on the Spanish economy. The strike saw widespread work boycotts, particularly in industrial centers like Barcelona, Vizcaya, Asturias, and Leon.

Causes of the Crisis

  • Inflation and rising cost of living
  • Worker unrest and the growing influence of trade unions like the UGT and CNT
  • Political instability and dissatisfaction with the existing political system

Consequences and Aftermath

  • Government repression of the strike
  • Growth of the CNT and continued labor unrest
  • The “Canadian” strike and the struggle between trade unions and employers
  • The Disaster of Annual and the eventual establishment of the Primo de Rivera dictatorship

The Constitution of the Second Spanish Republic (1931)

The Constitution of the Second Spanish Republic, adopted in 1931, established a democratic and secular state. It defined Spain as an integral state while also recognizing the possibility of autonomous regions. The constitution guaranteed individual rights and declared the separation of church and state.

Key Features of the Constitution

  • Definition of Spain as a democratic republic
  • Establishment of a unicameral parliament
  • Recognition of individual rights and freedoms
  • Separation of church and state
  • Provision for the establishment of autonomous regions

Significance and Legacy

  • The constitution represented a major shift towards democracy and social reform.
  • It laid the groundwork for the establishment of autonomous regions like Catalonia.
  • The constitution’s provisions on social and economic rights reflected the influence of socialist and progressive ideas.