Spain’s Transformation: Early 20th Century Politics
Spain in the Early 20th Century: A Time of Change
The first third of the twentieth century was marked by the transfer of economic hegemony from Great Britain to the United States. This created a profound transformation and technological energy that spread through industrialized economies. The Spanish economy grew, and Spain made some progress. However, this growth was halted by the Civil War and the Franco regime, leading to economic stagnation.
Despite the growth, in 1930, Spain still had a primarily agricultural, mixed, and uncompetitive economy. This resulted in a dual Spain, with modern industrial areas alongside undeveloped, agriculture-based regions.
The Fall of the Monarchy and Rise of the Second Republic
The aftermath of the disaster of 1898 led to a change in the regime of the Restoration. Alfonso XIII ascended the throne, but his reign ended in 1931 with the fall of the monarchy and the proclamation of the Second Republic.
The Restoration was unable to broaden its social base and consistently excluded certain groups, causing serious conflicts. In contrast, the Republic saw the emergence of a new generation of political and social movements in Spanish life. Between 1898 and 1912, the dynastic parties, led by Maura and Canalejas, attempted to modernize the system. However, after 1912, the system’s decline and fragmentation led to the strengthening of Republican, labor, and nationalist opposition.
The problem with Morocco and the Great War worsened the conflict, leading to the revolutionary events of 1917. The only solution appeared to be a military system that would renew the Restoration. In 1923, Primo de Rivera staged a coup, establishing a dictatorship that lasted until 1930. The monarchy’s association with this regime ultimately led to its downfall in April 1931.
The Canovist System and its Limitations
When Alfonso XIII’s reign began, Spain was liberal but not democratic. The legislative branch consisted of the courts and the king. Although the monarch actively intervened in the country’s politics, this interference ultimately cost him the throne after he supported the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera.
Conservatives and Liberals: A Cacique-Dominated Bipartisanship
Twentieth-century Spanish politics still retained features of the old regime, despite the introduction of universal male suffrage. Despotism controlled public life, discouraging voters. The system relied on *caciquismo* (local political bosses), with Conservatives and Liberals alternating in power. This resulted in the population’s detachment from politics and Spain’s inability to establish a democracy demanded by society. Ultimately, the dynastic parties were overtaken by labor unions, Republicanism, and Nationalism, which mobilized public opinion.
Nationalists and Republicans: Factors of Instability
In 1899, “*La Veu de Catalunya*” promoted nationalism. In 1901, the Regionalist League, led by Cambó, sought Catalan autonomy within the Spanish State. Prat de la Riba captured the essence of Catalan political thought. Catalan independence, Republicanism, and left-wing politics were championed by Macià and Companys, who would later form *Esquerra Republicana*. Basque nationalism (PNV) was Catholic, with its social base in rural areas and the middle class. In Valencia and Galicia, nationalism did not achieve significant traction due to a lack of substantial economic development. Republicanism adopted more radical, anti-military, and anti-clerical positions. This gave rise to the Radical Party, which was supported by the working class. The Reform Party (right-wing Republicanism) advocated for autonomy and socialist ideas.