Silvela, Maura, and Canalejas: Political Turmoil in Early 20th Century Spain
Silvela and Maura (1902-1909)
The government of Silvela faced incompatibility issues addressed by two of his ministers: Polavieja (War) and Vallaverde (Agriculture). This period saw the rise of Antonio Maura within the Conservative Party, determined to initiate a program of internal renewal. This was achieved through a substantial reform of the state. Maura also stated that parties should emerge from the people and connect with their needs through active and effective politics. Maura, as president, faced two fundamental problems: patronage and regionalism, leading to the proposal of a local administration law.
Tragic Week in Barcelona
The events of the Tragic Week in Barcelona led to Maura’s resignation. Protests against the mobilization of reservists for the war in Morocco ignited an insurrection in Barcelona, fueled by propaganda disseminated by Lerroux, leader of the Radical Republican Party. Barcelona experienced days of terror. The repression was severe, and anarchist leader Franco Ferrer Guardia was executed for alleged involvement. This situation divided Spain and led to calls for Maura’s dismissal. Subsequently, a split occurred within the Liberal Party, with followers of Maura aligning with Eduardo Dato.
Canalejas’ Reforms
Canalejas established a progressive tax on urban incomes and introduced the “Padlock Law,” forbidding the entry of new religious orders into Spain. He also addressed the situation in Morocco. He harshly suppressed the general railway strike of 1912 and moved towards resolving the Catalan regionalist issue with the Mancomunitat project, supported by the Lliga.
Causes of Nationalism: Cultural, linguistic, historical, economic, and political roots. Nationalisms emerged as a strong reaction to liberal centralism and as a defense of regional peculiarities. Some in Spain defended a diverse and multinational identity, considering it more consistent with reality and historical society.
Catalan Nationalism
Catalan nationalism was characterized by its initial moderation and commitment to Spain, noted for its importance and influence on other nationalisms. In its early stages, like other nationalisms, it had a cultural character. This movement, known as the Renaixença, encompassed diverse fields of intellectual activity related to Catalonia, always using its own language. In the 1880s, this cultural character evolved into political movements, presenting two alternatives:
- A more radical approach: Almirall, disappointed, convened the first Catalan Congress with the objective of uniting the most important currents of Catalanism. This movement culminated in the creation of the Catalan Center in 1882, which aimed to sensitize Catalan public opinion to achieve autonomy.
- In 1885, a memorandum of grievances was drafted and presented to Alfonso XII by a commission formed by various personalities. This memorial denounced the oppression of Catalonia and called for the harmonization of interests and aspirations of the different Spanish regions.
- A more conservative approach, formed by a group of intellectuals associated with the Renaixença newspaper, founded the Catalan League.
Basque Nationalism
Catalysts to the federation: