Marxism, Spanish Colonialism, Crisis of ’98, and Alfonso XIII’s Reign
Marxism and the Rise of Socialism
Key Figures: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels denounced the exploitation of the working class (proletariat) by the bourgeoisie and advocated for a workers’ revolution to dismantle capitalism. Through revolution, the proletariat would seize political power and establish a workers’ state, socializing property. The elimination of private property would, in theory, lead to the gradual disappearance of social classes and the state, culminating in an ideal communist society: a classless, stateless society.
From the late 19th century, Marxists pushed for the creation of socialist parties, like the PSOE, which spread across Europe. Their objective was to achieve the proletarian revolution, but they also participated in political life, running for elections. Socialist deputies in Parliament aimed to enact legislation more favorable to workers.
The Remains of the Spanish Colonial Empire
The remnants of the Spanish Colonial Empire consisted of two large Caribbean islands, Cuba and Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and several smaller islands and archipelagos. In the second half of the 19th century, the process of separation of these territories began, particularly in Cuba.
Puerto Rico had unique colonial characteristics, with an economy based on export agriculture, primarily sugar cane and tobacco. These products provided a steady stream of profits to Spain. The colonies were a captive market, forced to buy expensive Castilian and Catalan goods.
In the Philippines, the Spanish population was small, and capital investments were limited. Some sectors of the Cuban bourgeoisie favored independence. However, sugar landowners opposed any reforms. The Peace of Zanjón (1878) had limited results, only achieving the formal abolition of slavery in 1888, during the First Republic. Subsequent attempts at autonomy were thwarted by the sugar oligarchy and business interests. An autonomy plan proposed by Antonio Maura in 1893 was too late and rejected by the Spanish Parliament.
Consequences of the Crisis of 1898
The defeat in the Spanish-American War and the loss of 50,000 combatants caused intense shock in Spanish society. Republicans, socialists, and other political critics, as well as intellectuals, called for a profound reevaluation of Spain’s situation. The disaster triggered:
- A national crisis of conscience, expressed through the critical writings of the Generation of ’98.
- A push for modernization and reform, with two main approaches: political reform and educational reform.
- Increased prominence of peripheral nationalism within the Iberian Peninsula.
In conclusion, the limitations of the Restoration system in addressing Spain’s modernization and progress became evident, highlighting issues and social problems that would shape 20th-century Spanish history.
Alfonso XIII’s Reign
At 16, Alfonso XIII became King of Spain, facing numerous internal and external challenges. These challenges led to significant crises within the Restoration system:
- Crisis of the Cánovas System: Political instability marked this period. Between 1902 and 1923, there were 36 presidents of government due to party fragmentation.