Spanish Political History: Oligarchy, Catalan Nationalism, and UGT Manifesto
Oligarchy and Caciques
This informative text, written by Joaquin Costa, a prominent figure in the Regenerationist movement, delves into the corrupt political landscape of the Restoration period in Spain. Costa criticizes the oligarchs and local political bosses (caciques) who controlled the electoral system, manipulating votes and undermining democracy.
These powerful figures, often landowners or church officials, exerted undue influence over the population, ensuring their continued dominance. Costa highlights how the ruling class, entrenched in both political parties, acted as a parasitic entity, extracting resources without genuine integration with the people. This critique of the political system and its inherent corruption fueled the Regenerationist movement, which sought to reform the system established by Cánovas del Castillo.
The Regenerationists aimed to combat corruption, address Spain’s cultural backwardness, and restore the nation’s prestige following the losses of 1898. Costa emphasizes that the responsibility for the nation’s political decay rests not with the people but with the ruling class who abused their authority. The text, written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, provides valuable insight into the crisis of the Restoration period, marked by the Pact of Pardo and growing discontent with the monarchy.
Catalan Nationality
This politico-historical text, authored by Enric Prat de la Riba, a Catalan politician and member of the Unió Catalanista, explores the concept of Catalan nationalism. Published in 1906 during the campaign against the Law of Jurisdictions, the text lays out the foundations of conservative Catalan nationalist theory. It examines the idea of nationalism and pan-nationalism, advocating for a federal state as a solution for multi-national entities.
Prat de la Riba argues that Catalonia’s unique history, language, and culture justify its claim to statehood. He highlights the loss of Catalan rights and privileges following the War of the Spanish Succession in 1715 and the subsequent resurgence of Catalan identity in the 19th century. He proposes federalism as an ideal system for Spain, allowing for the preservation of Spanish unity while respecting the autonomy of its constituent nationalities.
Prat de la Riba distinguishes Catalan nationalism from separatist movements, such as Basque nationalism, emphasizing its moderate and Catholic character. He traces the evolution of Catalan nationalism through organizations like the Centre Català, Unió Catalanista, and Lliga Regionalista. Only during the Second Republic did left-wing nationalism, represented by Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, gain prominence, culminating in the establishment of Catalonia’s autonomous status in 1932.
UGT Manifesto
This historical-political text, addressed to Spanish society, is a manifesto issued by the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) in March 1917 during the crisis of the Restoration system under Alfonso XIII. The UGT and CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) called for a general strike to address the plight of the working class, suffering from unemployment and rising prices.
The manifesto highlights the government’s failure to alleviate the misery of the proletariat despite repeated warnings from labor unions. It emphasizes the need for unity between the UGT (socialist) and CNT (anarchist) to ensure the success of the strike. The strike coincided with other anti-government protests, leading to a brutal crackdown by the authorities, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests.
The strike committee members were sentenced to life imprisonment but later pardoned. The events of 1917, including the news of the Russian Revolution, fueled further labor unrest and anarchist activity, known as the “Bolshevik Triennium.” The success of these movements alarmed the authorities, leading to the repression of the CNT in Catalonia. The crisis of Spanish liberalism became evident, with no clear alternative emerging.