Spain’s Tumultuous Times: From First Republic to Monarchy
The First Republic (briefly)
It lasted less than one year, during which there were four different presidents. The main issues revolved around the desired type of republic (centralist, federalist, etc.) and another Carlist uprising. Amidst the chaos, General Pavía orchestrated another coup d’état.
The Serrano Dictatorship
While seeking a better solution, General Serrano governed for a year. However, in December 1874, General Martínez Campos engineered a coup d’état in favor of the Bourbon restoration, leading to Alfonso XII’s return to Spain.
The Restoration of the Monarchy (1874-1923)
During the last third of the 19th century, following the loss of the American colonies, Spain’s international power continued to decline, compounded by numerous internal problems.
After the failed revolutionary and republican attempts of 1868-73, a coup d’état by moderate liberals and monarchists placed Alfonso XII, the son of Isabella II, on the throne in 1874. His Prime Minister, Cánovas del Castillo, drafted a new moderate Constitution and established a political model where two liberal parties “rotated” in government, though this necessitated falsifying election results. He also faced several uprisings, particularly from Republicans and Carlists.
After 1885, Alfonso XIII, as a newborn child, became king, and the situation gradually became more difficult. The workers’ movement gained strength with the industrialization of Catalonia, Biscay, and Asturias.
Nationalism also emerged in Spain, initially in Catalonia and then in the Basque Country. Independence movements in the Philippines and Cuba became more prominent, leading to frequent military conflicts. Problems also arose in Morocco.
The workers’ movement became more radical and aggressive, particularly the anarchist movement, which employed strikes, bombs, and assassinations (Cánovas del Castillo was murdered in 1897).
The situation worsened in 1898 when the United States of America supported the independence movements in Cuba and the Philippines, resulting in Spain losing its last colonies. This marked the beginning of the end, as these colonies were crucial for the Spanish economy and its prestige. They were the last remaining colonies after previous American losses.
In the early 20th century, Spain attempted to regain some military prestige in Africa, causing conflicts with other established countries in the region. The second decade proved to be the most problematic. During World War I, Spain remained neutral, which significantly boosted the economy by selling goods to both sides. However, this changed in 1917.
- Prices were high, and working conditions were poor, leading to a general strike.
- Catalans disagreed with Cánovas and organized a parliament convention to change the system.
- The military sought to change things.
The bourgeoisie became afraid of the workers, and the army suppressed the uprisings.
The political system was in danger from 1917-23, with 13 governments attempting to improve the situation.