Spain’s Political Shift: 1898-1931
1. The Decline of Dynastic Rule (1898-1917)
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Galicia experienced a political dynamic distinct from the rest of Spain. Dynastic parties began to lose electoral hegemony, alongside the rise of Catalan republicanism. In 1902, Alfonso XIII reached the age of majority, opening an opportunity to regenerate Spanish political life.
Conservative President Antonio Maura implemented reforms in finance and administered a local electoral law. However, these reforms were unsuccessful, as caciquismo and corruption persisted in electoral politics. In 1910, the Liberals, led by Jose Canalejas, attempted to strengthen civil power against the influence of the Catholic Church and decentralize the state. The anarchists assassinated Canalejas in 1912, triggering a crisis in 1917.
In the early twentieth century, Catalonia saw the emergence of a new Republican ideology group created by Alejandro Lerroux (Radical). This organization had an obrerista, revolutionary, and anticlerical stance. The National Confederation of Labor (CNT) was founded in 1910. The Catalan regionalist League was also formed. In 1907, Catalan political forces, excluding the Lerrouxists, formed Catalan Solidarity and parity. Enric Prat de la Riba became president of the Barcelona Provincial Council.
In 1909, political life deteriorated, marked by a revolt known as the Tragic Week. The conflict in the working class intensified due to the War in Morocco, where the issue of mandatory conscription sparked widespread discontent. Ferrer Guardia, a teacher, was executed by the Army.
The conservatives and liberals were criticized, but the situation became clearer. The governing Liberals focused on the distribution among countries. The Commonwealth was an institution that united the four Catalan provinces for administrative purposes only. It was established in 1914 under the chairmanship of Enric Prat de la Riba, the leader of the Catalan Regionalist League. The Commonwealth also prioritized the use of Catalan. Its efforts were directed towards creating new infrastructure and public services (roads, communications, etc.) and constructing a new cultural and educational project (creation of cultural institutions, new schools where Catalan was taught, and games floral).
2. The Last Years of the Monarchy (1917-1931)
World War I brought chaos and some leverage. The opposition political forces in Catalonia sought to convene the Parliamentary Assembly of the government and demand a convocation of the Cortes constituents. Military groups united to address defense and government policy. The CNT and UGT trade unions called a general strike to overthrow the government. The government suppressed the strikes, and military pacts and politics revealed a serious crisis. Between 1917 and 1923, there were thirteen different governments. The crisis of 1917 came to an end with the formation of concentration governments (liberals and conservatives), which had the support of Catalonia. This led to social conflict.
Political instability was accompanied by trade unions pushing for higher wages and improved working conditions. Salvador Seguí, also known as Sugar Boy, Angel Tab, and Joan Peiró, were prominent leaders. The workers’ struggle was particularly difficult in Barcelona.