Spain in the Early 20th Century: From Monarchy to Republic
Spain in the Early 20th Century
The Reign of Alfonso XIII (1902-1931)
The Restoration Period and its Challenges
The early decades of the 20th century saw Spain under the reign of Alfonso XIII, who inherited the parliamentary system of the Restoration. This system, based on alternating Liberal and Conservative parties, faced several critical problems:
- Resurgence of regionalism, notably in Catalonia.
- A military seeking to regain prestige after setbacks.
- The ongoing War in Morocco.
- The rise of the labor movement and leftist opposition.
- Anarchist terrorism targeting politicians and employers.
The Tragic Week (1909)
The War in Morocco led to the deployment of reservist troops, triggering protests and an insurrection known as the Tragic Week.
World War I and its Aftermath
Spain remained neutral in World War I, reaping economic benefits. However, a crisis emerged in 1917, marked by demonstrations, military protests, and a revolutionary general strike.
The Moroccan War and the Disaster of Annual (1921)
The War in Morocco continued to escalate, culminating in the Disaster of Annual in 1921, resulting in the deaths of over 9,000 Spanish soldiers.
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
Amidst social unrest and military discontent, General Primo de Rivera staged a coup in 1923, establishing a military dictatorship with the authorization of Alfonso XIII. The dictatorship focused on ending the war in Morocco (1927), implementing corporatist policies, and suppressing political freedoms, particularly in Catalonia. The period also witnessed the International Exposition of Barcelona and the Ibero-American Exposition of Seville in 1929.
The Fall of Primo de Rivera and the End of Alfonso’s Reign
Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship fell in 1930. Alfonso XIII attempted to restore the constitutional system, but Republican groups gained momentum. Municipal elections in April 1931 resulted in Republican victories, leading to Alfonso XIII’s exile and the proclamation of the Second Republic on April 14, 1931.
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)
The Provisional Government and Reforms
A provisional government was formed with the aim of modernizing Spain and establishing democracy. The 1931 Constitution defined Spain as a republic of workers. Key reforms included:
- Autonomy for Catalonia.
- Military reform.
- Religious reform, including a ban on teaching by religious orders.
- Agrarian reform involving land expropriation and redistribution.
- Educational reform with new schools, secular education, and teacher training.
Political Instability and the Civil War
The reformist government faced opposition, and subsequent conservative governments halted the reforms. The Popular Front government attempted to resume the reform process, but on July 17, 1936, a military uprising led by General Francisco Franco triggered the Spanish Civil War. The war, which lasted until 1939, involved international intervention, with Franco receiving support from Italy and Germany, and the Republican government receiving aid from the Soviet Union. Franco’s victory marked the beginning of his dictatorial rule over Spain.
Economic and Social Context
During this period, Spain’s economy underwent modernization, with industrialization concentrated in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Madrid. Improvements were made in road and rail networks, and the banking sector developed. However, a large portion of the population remained in rural poverty, while a wealthy oligarchy controlled land ownership. The urban middle class prospered, but unemployment increased, highlighting social and economic disparities.