Spain in the Early 20th Century: Social & Economic Shifts
Economic and Social Transformations in Early 20th Century Spain
Demographic trends common in all countries experiencing industrialization included a decrease in mortality and, later, in birth rates. Migration occurred because the economy grew less than the population. Emigration slowed once internal migration expanded, leading to increased urbanization.
Agrarian Issues and Peasant Unrest
Spanish agriculture at the beginning of the 20th century faced the consequences of the agrarian crisis that swept through Europe at the end of the 19th century. This crisis was overcome through new trade barriers and increased production. The Spanish governments of the time were aware of the problems. Increased irrigation was seen as a solution, but the main problem was the large number of landless peasants. Ultimately, these measures proved insufficient.
Economic Shifts: Electricity, Oil, and State Intervention
Changes in the Spanish economy were driven by the spread of electricity and oil. A key characteristic was the restriction of competition between companies and constant state intervention, manifested in aid and rising protectionism.
Spain’s neutrality during World War I was favorable for the Spanish economy, forcing a renewal of the production structure that stimulated industrial growth and energy changes. This neutrality enabled an expansion, but the end of the war unleashed a major crisis.
Dynastic Reformism Under Alfonso XIII
A reformist policy of administrative decentralization projects and budgetary policy was initiated. In the spring of 1902, Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne and implemented a series of reforms.
Social Unrest and the Tragic Week of Barcelona
Mobilization against the war began in the port of Barcelona, leading to a popular revolt that broke the initial target of protest and became a spontaneous outburst of accumulated social tensions. The subsequent repression was very harsh, known as the Tragic Week of Barcelona.
In 1916, there was a revolutionary general strike demanding government intervention to contain prices. This exploded in 1917 following a rail conflict. The army was sent to contain the movement, revealing the regime’s weakness in handling violent situations.
The Dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera
On September 13th, General Miguel Primo de Rivera pronounced against the Constitution, declared martial law, and demanded that power pass into the hands of the military, forming a military directory. He justified the need for change due to the instability, the parliamentary system’s blockade, election fraud, the fear of social revolution due to rising labor unrest, and the army’s discontent after the Annual disaster. He aimed to avoid accountability for the events of the war in Morocco. He announced his determination to rid the country of warlords and banditry, end political and social indiscipline, and address threats to national unity.
Opposition intensified, and when the king and his entourage became convinced that the dictatorship threatened the monarchy, Primo de Rivera resigned on January 3, 1930.