Maria Christina’s Regency: Political Opposition, Regionalism & Nationalism
The Regency of Maria Christina of Austria: Political Landscape
Following the death of Alfonso XII in 1885, his pregnant wife, Maria Christina of Austria, became regent until their son, Alfonso XIII, reached adulthood in 1902. This period was marked by significant political and social changes in Spain.
The Turnismo System
Fearing instability after Alfonso XII’s death, Cánovas del Castillo, leader of the Conservative Party, agreed with Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, leader of the Liberal Party, on a system of peaceful alternation in power known as turnismo. This involved manipulating the electoral system to ensure that the two parties alternated in government.
When a government faced a crisis, the king (or regent) would dissolve the Cortes (parliament) and instruct the leader of the opposition to call for elections. The opposition leader would then negotiate with local chiefs (caciques) to manipulate votes and secure a victory. This system, while initially intended to provide stability, gradually became corrupt and contributed to the eventual downfall of Alfonso XIII.
Political Opposition to Turnismo
The turnismo system, by design, excluded other political groups, leading to significant opposition. Key opposition groups included:
- Carlists: Divided into a political wing (the Traditionalist Party led by Nocedal) and a faction of exiles who continued to plot against the regime.
- Republicans: Various Republican parties emerged, including:
- The Possibilist Republican Party (Emilio Castelar), aiming to create a new republic.
- The Progressive Republican Party (José Zorrilla), which was more radical and sometimes used violent riots to achieve its political objectives.
- Centralist Republicans (Salmerón) and Federal Republicans (Pi y Margall).
Republican parties gradually gained support, winning elections in some major cities by the end of the 19th century.
- PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party): Founded by Pablo Iglesias, the PSOE was legalized under the Liberal government and gained support, even without parliamentary representation.
- UGT (General Union of Workers): A socialist trade union, also established during the Liberal government. Anarchist unions were also active in Andalusia and Catalonia.
Anarchism
The anarchist movement had two main branches:
- Peaceful Anarchists: Sought to achieve their goals through organizations, demonstrations, and other non-violent means.
- Terrorist Anarchists: Resorted to attacks, such as the assassination of Cánovas del Castillo. This led to severe repression against anarchist organizations.
Regionalism and Nationalism
Across Europe, liberal ideas and romantic traditions led to the exaltation of regional characteristics and the rise of nationalism. In Spain, this manifested as regionalism, with intellectuals promoting the culture, language, literature, and folklore of their regions. These ideas gradually evolved into nationalism, with political groups seeking not only cultural recognition but also political autonomy.
Catalan Nationalism
In Catalonia, Prat de la Riba emerged as the leading nationalist politician. He drafted the Bases de Manresa, a document advocating for Spain to become a federal state, and founded the Catalan nationalist party, the Regionalist League. Similar parties, such as Esquerra Republicana, emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Basque Nationalism
In the Basque Country, Sabino Arana was the key nationalist figure. Initially liberal, he defended Catholicism and the traditional Basque charters (fueros). He launched a campaign against immigrants from other parts of Spain, claiming they were polluting Basque culture. Arana founded the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), a conservative nationalist party.