Spain Under Alfonso XIII: Political and Social Turmoil
During the last quarter of the 19th century, Spain experienced a period of stability. However, the 20th century, under the reign of Alfonso XIII, saw a mismatch between the two-party system and the plurality of society.
Crisis of the Restoration System
The crisis began at the start of Alfonso XIII’s reign, following the loss of colonies. This sparked regenerationist calls for constitutional reforms.
Causes:
- The deaths of party leaders Sagasta and Canovas fragmented their parties, hindering peace and creating political instability. The King had to act as a referee.
- An intense electoral battle began. The system relied on the control of rural Spain by the Cacique. In cities, the free vote increased.
Catalonia and the Political Crisis
Catalonia exemplified the emerging crisis. Two political forces clashed: Catalanists and Republicans (anti-Catalanists). Catalanism, the stronger of the two, took a step forward by launching a military offensive. The government attempted to punish Catalanism, but it gained strength, winning elections in Valencia alongside Republicanism.
The Government of Maura and the Tragic Week
For a time, the politician Antonio Maura united the Conservative Party with a modern, anti-caciquil program: “The Revolution from Above.” He aimed to bring authenticity to the system. Maura attempted new reforms that had limited success but stabilized the monarchy after the Tragic Week in Barcelona.
The Tragic Week was an urban, anti-colonial, and anti-clerical uprising that occurred when the government recruited Catalan reservists to intervene in Morocco to defend Melilla from Moroccans. The government tried to quell the insurrection, which ultimately led to the King withdrawing his confidence from Maura.
The Liberals and the Government of Canalejas
The Canalejas era was one of the longest periods of Liberal rule. They implemented social reforms, labor laws, and fiscal measures, such as reduced work hours, a recruitment law, the nullification of the consumption tax, and the “Ley del Candado” (Padlock Law) restricting religious orders, which sparked outrage from Catholics. Canalejas was assassinated by an anarchist.
Complications in the Political Landscape
The two dynastic parties fractured into competing groups. Nationalist groups lost influence, while the Catalans became the strongest force in Catalonia, approving the Commonwealth Act. Basque nationalism also gained ground.
Labor parties were represented by socialists and anarchists. The PSOE allied with Republican parties (the Socialist-Republican Conjunction), leading to the first socialist leader in parliament. Anarchists, after several terrorist acts, formed the CNT.
Impact of World War I
Spain remained neutral, supplying the belligerent powers. This led to commercial and industrial expansion and financial benefits. However, the working class suffered shortages due to rising prices and limited supply caused by foreign sales. This increased workers’ protests, and the CNT and UGT united, pressuring the government to change the situation or face a general strike.
The Crisis of 1917
The monarchy’s stability was threatened on three fronts:
- Boards of Defense: The military was unhappy with their economic situation.
- A Parliamentary Assembly: Demanded a reform of the Constitution. The Regionalist League, led by Cambó, saw it as an opportunity for change towards a federal system.
- The Labor Movement: Threatened a general strike.
Eduardo Dato divided the anti-government forces, giving the military what they wanted. The workers’ strike was not widely supported and was crushed by the military. The leader of the Lliga accepted to join a multiparty government.
The Problem of Morocco and the Annual Disaster
After the crisis, the system became unworkable. Governments resorted to coalitions, but the heterogeneity of trends prevented a coherent program, and the system of alternating power (“turnismo”) disappeared.
The problem with Morocco remained unresolved, and the situation deteriorated, culminating in the Annual Disaster. Regional problems persisted, and military unrest continued. These issues led to a coup d’état by Miguel Primo de Rivera. His government resigned, and a period of dictatorship began.