Opposition, Crisis, and Interventionism in Early 20th Century Spain
Opposition to the Dictatorship
Opposition to Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship came from various sectors of Spanish society:
- Dynastic parties: Criticized the regime’s length.
- Military leaders: Participated in conspiracies like the “Sanjuanada” plot.
- Republicans: Formed the Republican Alliance.
- Nationalists: Especially in Catalonia, opposed the suppression of Catalan culture.
- Communists and Anarchists: Faced persecution, leading to the creation of the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI).
- Intellectuals and Academics: Protested against censorship and university restrictions. Key figures included Unamuno, Ortega y Gasset, Blasco Ibañez, and Menendez Pidal.
- Workers’ Unions: The CNT (anarcho-syndicalist) and later the PSOE (socialist) opposed the regime.
The Fall of Primo de Rivera
Growing opposition and the King’s concern for the monarchy led to Primo de Rivera’s resignation in January 1930. General Berenguer’s interim government aimed to restore constitutional normality (Dictablanda) and hold elections. The Pact of San Sebastian (August 1930) united Republicans, Catalan nationalists, and the PSOE in a pro-Republic platform. Admiral Aznar’s government called for municipal elections on April 12, 1931, which became a plebiscite on the monarchy.
The Agrarian Crisis
Spanish agriculture faced challenges in the early 20th century due to the European agrarian crisis. The influx of competitive foreign products led to lower prices, impacting cereal and wine production. The phylloxera plague devastated vineyards, requiring replanting with American strains. Falling incomes and profits led to widespread peasant unrest and protests organized by the League Afra.
State Interventionism
The Spanish economy was characterized by limited competition and state intervention. Companies fixed prices and divided markets, leading to higher prices than in other industrialized nations. The state provided subsidies and protectionist tariffs (especially in 1906 and 1922) to support industries like steel and coal. While promoting technological progress and infrastructure development, these measures also maintained uncompetitive industries.