Modernity’s Failure in Spain: Historical Political Issues
Modernity’s Failure and Spain’s Historical Challenges
To understand contemporary Spanish society, we must examine its unresolved historical problems.
Américo Castro’s Thesis
Américo Castro’s thesis on “the historical reality of Spain” highlights the Reconquista‘s impact. This eight-century process shaped a unique Hispanic identity, characterized by:
- A disdain for manual work and applied science.
- An inegalitarian social structure with a landed aristocracy and landless peasants.
- A political culture prone to violent conflict resolution.
Closure of Granada and American Expansion
The 1492 closure of the Granada border coincided with the opening of the Americas, offering an outlet for adventurous Spaniards.
Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella
Ferdinand and Isabella strengthened the state, repressing cultural and religious minorities. The expulsion of Jews and Moors imposed uniformity, contrasting with Europe’s pluralistic Reformation.
Cultural Isolation
Spain resisted European modernization, with the Inquisition crushing reform attempts. This led to self-isolation and religious intolerance, hindering peaceful coexistence.
Historical Dictatorial Proclivity
Barrington Moore Jr. noted Spain’s historical inclination towards dictatorial political forms.
18th-20th Century Evolution
Spain lacked a strong bourgeois class, fostering a stratified mentality and fatalism in the rural working class. The powerful Catholic Church and large landowners disdained commercial activities, hindering industrial revolution.
Failed Modernization
Spain’s withdrawal from European events (bourgeois revolutions, Reformation, empirical science) resulted in failed modernization. The 18th-century Enlightenment was late and inadequate.
Reasons for Industrial Revolution Failure:
- Absence of an agricultural revolution to provide capital.
- Difficulties in trade after the emancipation of American colonies.
- Inadequate transport management and low railway profitability.
- Weakness of textile and steel industries, dependent on England and France.
Political, Social, and Economic Collapse
From the 18th century, Spain faced political, social, and economic collapse, recovering only partially in the 19th century, culminating in the Civil War.
Peripheral Nationalisms
The 19th century saw the rise of peripheral nationalisms in Catalonia and the Basque Country, driven by regional industrial modernization.