Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: Military Rule and Economic Policy
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera: A State of War
Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship issued a manifesto declaring the country in a state of war, marking the beginning of a transitional period under military rule. Two distinct phases emerged: a military directory and a civilian directory.
Coup and Military Directory
The political situation had reached a critical point, marked by political, economic, social, regional, and colonial crises, as well as military unrest under Alfonso XIII. The King welcomed Primo de Rivera’s coup, which was largely received favorably, including by the Church and the political bourgeoisie. Some figures from the old regime, like Romanones, expressed opposition. Many believed that the time had come for a firm hand, as advocated by Joaquín Costa. A directory composed of eight generals and a rear admiral was formed.
Measures taken included:
- Closure of Congress and the Senate.
- Replacement of provincial governors with military personnel.
- Dissolution of municipal councils (ayuntamientos).
- Pursuit of corruption from the previous era.
- Cessation of the search for responsibilities in Morocco.
- Establishment of social peace and public order.
- Abolition of the Catalan Commonwealth.
- Reform of local and provincial administration (approved Municipal Statute).
- Pacification of Morocco, with the Alhucemas landing proving decisive.
The success in Morocco led to the decision to dissolve the military directory and establish a civilian one, abandoning the initial intention of a merely transitional system and advocating for its consolidation.
Civil Directory
Primo de Rivera formed a civilian cabinet dominated by technocrats, though a military presence remained. This step raised the question of institutionalizing the new regime. Its foundations were to be a new political party, a new Assembly, and a new Constitution. The Patriotic Union emerged as the new party during the dictatorship. A National Consultative Assembly was formed after a plebiscite, and a draft constitution was presented by the Assembly, envisioning a constitutional, religious, interventionist state with economic and labor regulations.
Economic and Social Policy
The dictatorship coincided with a favorable international economic climate, the “Roaring Twenties.” In economic matters, the regime adopted an interventionist and protectionist approach, prioritizing public works as a driver of the economy. The Universal Exposition of Barcelona and the Ibero-American Exposition of Seville showcased the regime’s achievements in this area.
Agrarian Policy
A modest land redistribution program was launched, and the National Farm Credit was created to support medium and small farmers. Tariffs were established. The Guadalhorce Plan, led by the Count of Guadalhorce, was a highlight, constructing wetlands and creating hydrographic confederations.
Industrial Policy
The sector was protected, encouraging the automotive industry and mandating the use of Spanish coal in ships and railroads.
Transport and Communications Policy
Roads were improved and their asphalt mileage increased. The number of cars increased, while railways remained largely in foreign hands. In the field of telephony, the National Telephone Company was founded.
Financial Policy
Under José Calvo Sotelo, the regime achieved great success, developing a tax reform, settling the debt, regulating the banking sector, and combating fraud.
Social Policy
The regime was very concerned with social issues. The Minister of Labor, an admirer of Italian fascism, initiated a corporative system for resolving tensions through conciliation. The Labor Code was adopted, a charter for vocational training was created to improve workers’ skills, illiteracy decreased, and the number of university students increased.