Primo de Rivera’s 1923 Manifesto Analysis
Primo de Rivera Manifesto
Classification: General Miguel Primo de Rivera’s 1923 manifesto, published in Barcelona’s press, is an expository and argumentative text. It outlines his plans, focusing on political issues and the Moroccan conflict. The manifesto is dated September 13, 1923.
Analysis: The manifesto has two parts. First, it justifies the uprising, presenting its reasons as indisputable. Second, it warns against opposition, aiming to garner support.
Historical Context: The September 13, 1923 coup ended the Restoration system’s crisis. Since 1917, the system struggled with the Moroccan War, labor unrest, and nationalist movements. Barcelona faced pistolerismo, Andalusia saw peasant mobilizations, and major strikes like the 1919 La Canadiense strike highlighted the disorder. The military, empowered by the 1906 Law of Jurisdictions, sought to regenerate Spain through a temporary military regime. Alfonso XIII supported the coup.
Review of Ideas: The manifesto attacks the “old politics,” blaming it for Spain’s misery and immorality. It cites the 1898 disaster as the start of the Restoration’s crisis. The manifesto aims to eradicate corruption and regenerate public life. It promises to govern with “civilian men” representing morality and doctrine. Key terms include “tame rebellion” and “liability,” referring to past irregularities, especially in the Moroccan War. The manifesto lacks specifics on addressing issues like gangsterism and the Moroccan conflict.
A program was needed, but Primo de Rivera lacked one. His dictatorship had two stages: Military Directory and civilian dictatorship. He aimed to eradicate the cacique system, grant municipal autonomy, and create a new constitutional system through the National Consultative Assembly (1927), but failed politically.
Conclusion and Scope: The uprising led to the Military Directory. Initial actions focused on reshaping local government, aiming to end caciquismo. However, Primo de Rivera relied on caciques for his Patriotic Union party. Economically, the dictatorship implemented protectionist policies and state investments, improving infrastructure but increasing public debt. The National Corporate Organization was created in 1926, along with state monopolies. Politically, the regime lost support, facing strikes and plots. Primo de Rivera resigned and left Spain. General Berenguer’s government failed to correct the dictatorship’s alterations, leading to the Second Republic in 1931.
Bibliography:
- CARR, Raymond. History of Spain. Barcelona, Península, 2001.
- PÉREZ, Joseph. History of Spain. Barcelona, Crítica, 2003.