Spanish History: Reformism, Crisis, and Dictatorship (1909-1930)
The Tragic Week and Liberal Reformism
The Tragic Week was a popular uprising that took place in Barcelona in 1909, which caused the deterioration of political life. After this, liberals began a reformist experience. José Canalejas attempted a strengthening of civilian power. He also started a certain decentralization of the state, which resulted in the Commonwealth of Catalonia.
The Crisis of 1917 and the Decline of the Restoration Monarchy
Given the growing social problems, Dato’s conservatives ruled in an authoritarian fashion. This marked the beginning of the crisis of the Restoration Monarchy.
Governments of Concentration
Thirteen different governments were formed. The crisis virtually came to an end, and successive concentration governments were formed, but they could not stabilize the situation.
Social Conflict
Radicalized unions left their positions and boosted workers’ mobilizations. In response, the government and employers hardened their attitude and entered a process of social violence.
The Annual Disaster
The Spanish army was defeated, and many soldiers were killed in the Annual Disaster.
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Miguel Primo de Rivera led a coup that gave way to a military dictatorship inspired by Italian Fascism. It was justified on the grounds that the parliamentary system was neglected and was unable to ensure social order and stop the revolution. He instituted a military dictatorship, suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and banned political parties. He also abolished the Commonwealth of Catalonia. He managed to stay in power thanks to the good economic situation, the favorable international situation, and the end of the Moroccan conflict. He then resigned in 1930. Alfonso XIII named General Berenguer head of government.
The Reformist Biennium
- Military Reform: The government drafted a law that allowed for the retirement and half-pay of officials.
- Religious Reform: The importance of the church in education was reduced.
- Territorial Reform: The decentralization of the state occurred, offering the possibility of new statutes of autonomy and establishing autonomous governments.
- Land Reform: The Republic addressed the problem of large estates. It took the properties of large landowners that were not cultivated and gave them to the peasants.
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
Primo de Rivera led a coup that gave way to a military dictatorship inspired by Italian Fascism. It was justified on the grounds that the parliamentary system was neglected and was unable to ensure social order and stop the revolution. He instituted a military dictatorship, suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and banned political parties. He also abolished the Commonwealth of Catalonia. He managed to stay in power thanks to the good economic situation, the favorable international situation, and the end of the Moroccan conflict. He then resigned in 1930. Alfonso XIII named General Berenguer head of government.
The Reformist Biennium
- Military Reform: The government drafted a law that allowed for the retirement and half-pay of officials.
- Religious Reform: The importance of the church in education was reduced.
- Territorial Reform: The decentralization of the state occurred, offering the possibility of new statutes of autonomy and establishing autonomous governments.
- Land Reform: The Republic addressed the problem of large estates. It took the properties of large landowners that were not cultivated and gave them to the peasants.