Spain’s Political Turmoil: From Maura’s Reforms to the Tragic Week
Government of Antonio Maura (1907-1909)
Antonio Maura implemented reforms from above, aiming to modernize the government and limit the influence of the lower classes. He also sought to curb political patronage with administrative and electoral reforms (Article 29, where a single party representative guaranteed rule). These measures, however, would not be fully realized.
Following Spain’s colonial losses during the Second Industrial Revolution, its imperialist ambitions shifted towards Africa and Asia. As major powers like Britain and France carved up these continents, Spain, Germany, and Italy sought their share. The Algeciras Conference (1906) granted Spain territories in Northern Morocco. Spain’s interests were threefold: prestige, economic gain, and strategic positioning.
The Moroccan campaign proved unpopular, disproportionately affecting the poorest citizens who couldn’t afford to avoid conscription. Antonio Maura’s decision to deploy reservists (many Catalans up to 30 years old) with families sparked protests, particularly from wives opposing their husbands’ deployment. The PSOE also opposed the war.
Tensions escalated into a general strike and the Tragic Week in Barcelona, which paralyzed the city. Maura responded with a hardline stance. After regaining control, his government sought to assign blame, ultimately targeting Ferrer Guardia, associated with the anarchist Modern School. Accused of moral responsibility, Ferrer Guardia was executed, triggering widespread protests in Spain and abroad. Republicans, the PSOE, and the Liberal Party demanded Maura’s resignation, leading to the collapse of the political pact and the rise of a Liberal government (1910-1912).
Liberal Party (1905-1907)
In 1905, a Catalan magazine published a satirical cartoon mocking the army. This led to the Law of Jurisdictions (1906), stipulating that any act deemed offensive to the army or nation would be tried in military courts, increasing the army’s political influence. The King dissolved the government and appointed Moret (Liberal Party), who was compelled to sign the Law of Jurisdictions.
Conservative Party (1907-1909)
In 1908, Maura established the National Institute of Foresight (a precursor to social security) and regulated child labor, setting limits on age and working hours. His reform efforts were interrupted by the Tragic Week in Barcelona, fueled by anti-clerical and anti-military sentiments. The deployment of reservists to Morocco ignited the unrest, ultimately leading to Maura’s downfall.
The mobilization of Catalan reservists triggered a general protest strike by socialists and republicans, who were not directly responsible for the Tragic Week. Maura, however, blamed Ferrer Guardia, holding him morally responsible and leading to his execution. Lerroux was also exiled. Ferrer Guardia, an educator, anarchist, and founder of the Modern School, became a martyr, and his execution sparked outrage across Spain and Europe, directed at Maura’s government.
This period marked the rupture of the political pact, with Republicans, Socialists, and the Liberal Party demanding Maura’s resignation. José Canalejas subsequently became head of government.