Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: Causes, Military Rule, Morocco
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1931)
Causes of the Coup and Military Directory (1923-1925)
Objectives and Motivations of the Coup
Primo de Rivera staged a coup in Barcelona on 13 September 1923. Almost overnight, with little prior indication in the press and without bloodshed, he dominated the situation in the Catalan capital, a key area of Spanish politics at the time. The government was unable to react and appealed to the monarch, Alfonso XIII, who hesitated but ultimately supported the revolt, entrusting Primo de Rivera with the task of governing. Within three days, Spain transitioned from a parliamentary monarchy to an authoritarian regime. Primo de Rivera’s initial provisional role evolved into an attempt at perpetuation, which was ultimately rejected by his initial supporters.
The coup was justified as a remedy to a blocked constitutional regime. Primo de Rivera’s decision was influenced by the desire to avoid accountability in the courts for the Annual disaster. The dictator justified the military coup through a speech with moralistic and regenerationist pretensions, criticizing the old politics and presenting a populist component to gain popular support. In his inaugural address, Primo de Rivera announced his determination to rid the country of warlords and banditry, end political and social indiscipline, and address threats to national unity. However, the unconstitutional dictatorship served to curb potential reforms of the system that could threaten certain sectors and social interests.
The Military Directory (1923-1925)
After the government was toppled, Primo de Rivera came to power at the head of a Military Directory. The inaugural manifesto declared the intention to establish a provisional military directory. The Royal Decree of 15 September formalized the organization of the directory, chaired by Primo de Rivera, who held all powers and governmental responsibilities. In practice, Primo de Rivera, advised by a board, subjected the King to all decisions. The operation of the entire administration was in the hands of the army. He took emergency measures, including suspending constitutional guarantees, deposing civil governors of provinces, dissolving the Parliament, and suspending the 1876 Constitution to suppress political parties. Provincial governors were replaced by military personnel, legislatures and city councils were dissolved, and municipal boards were created. Calvo Sotelo drafted the municipal and provincial statutes to grant greater autonomy to local authorities.
Simultaneously, the nationalization of the masses during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera promoted a Spanish national identity. The provincial councils and the Commonwealth of Catalonia were dissolved, restricting their languages and use of symbols of identity.
Political Basis: The Patriotic Union
To consolidate local government control, the Patriotic Union (UP) was established. It was not intended to be a political party, but functioned as a single-party government under Primo de Rivera, seeking to unite all patriotic opponents of disorder. The UP reflected the dictator’s desire for populist authoritarianism, replacing democratic voting. Civil governors and government delegates were responsible for setting up committees for the new organization. The UP, the State, and the Government became intertwined. Board members and provincial governors were not required to belong to it, but members of municipalities and county councils were.
The Solution to the Problem of Morocco: The Landing of Al Hoceima, 1925
This decision was one of the successes that bolstered the dictatorship. Primo de Rivera took over the High Commission of Morocco in 1924, preparing a powerful army that, in coordination with the French army, landed at Alhucemas Bay in September 1925. Abd-el-Krim surrendered to French authorities. This was a significant political and popular success.