Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship and the Monarchy’s Fall
Primo de Rivera and the Fall of the Monarchy
On September 13, 1923, Primo de Rivera launched a military coup against the constitutional government. His intentions with this coup were to solve the serious problems suffered by Spanish society, to rid the country of the “old politics,” and to destroy despotism. The coup was supported by the business communities, the major national banks, and the Church. Neither Republicans nor Socialists opposed it. Only the Anarchists and Communists were against it.
On September 15, Alfonso XIII directed Primo de Rivera to form a new government (Military Directory). The Military Board declared a state of war for two years, suspended the 1876 Constitution, dissolved the Parliament, censored the press, and banned the activities of political parties and trade unions. Provincial governors were replaced by military governors, and city councils were dissolved and replaced by Boards. Councils were also dissolved.
Primo de Rivera took personal control in Morocco and tried to negotiate peace, offering complete autonomy to Morocco, but Morocco refused. France and Spain then came together to defeat the rebels a year later. Having solved the problem of public order and the Moroccan question, Primo de Rivera replaced the Military Directory with a Civil Directory in order to build a regime inspired by authoritarian dictatorships. He formed the great right-wing Patriotic Union party, whose members were civil servants and small and medium landowners.
Primo de Rivera called an assembly to draft a new constitution, which had consultative status. However, the opposition of the old dynastic politicians, the Socialists, and even the King paralyzed this constitution. As for economic policy, it was characterized by state intervention and economic nationalism. One of the highlights was the promotion of public works. This forced spending created a debt. Regarding social policy, affordable housing was constructed, and schools and health facilities were created. Committees were formed with equal numbers of workers and employers, aimed at peacefully resolving conflicts between them.
The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera began to lose support. One of the most significant issues was the military conflict that occurred when Primo de Rivera attempted to implement military reforms, favoring promotion by seniority rather than by merit in war. Lacking support, Primo de Rivera submitted his resignation, and Alfonso XIII tasked General Berenguer with forming a government to return to the old Constitution.
However, society had changed and was no longer controlled by the old guard. The ancient dynastic parties no longer trusted the King, and Republicanism was booming. The so-called Pact of San Sebastián was formed with the aim of proclaiming a republic. The announcement by Republicans, Socialists, and former dynastic politicians not to participate in legislative elections led to the resignation of General Berenguer. He was replaced by Admiral Aznar, who announced municipal elections for April 12, and on April 14, the Republic was proclaimed.