Spanish Restoration: Political Stability, Social Conflicts, and Literary Response
The Spanish Restoration: A Period of Transformation
The return of the monarchy ushered in a new era of political stability, characterized by a power-sharing dynamic between two prominent leaders, Cánovas and Sagasta. This system initially fostered stability, growth, and international engagement, allowing Spain to regain some standing in Europe. However, this progress also led to increased urbanization, industrial expansion in Catalonia and the Basque Country, and a rise in social conflicts.
Social Unrest and the Rise of Anarchism
The growth of cities like Madrid and Barcelona, coupled with industrial expansion, fueled social unrest. Labor strikes, work stoppages, and rural poverty became breeding grounds for anarchism, particularly in Catalonia, where terrorist acts occurred. Despite these challenges, the system endured under Alfonso XII and the regency of María Cristina, but it became increasingly outdated during the reign of Alfonso XIII, marked by the influence of local political bosses (caciques).
The Crisis of 1898 and Shifting Political Landscapes
The late 19th century signaled a shift in Spain’s trajectory, with new political fronts emerging and a growing sense of the Restoration’s inadequacy. The profound crisis of 1898, coupled with increasing instability due to labor unrest, further destabilized the nation. Anarchist actions added to the turmoil. The inability of the Restoration to address the political crisis ultimately led to its downfall in 1931.
Social Divisions and Political Evolution
The split between moderates and progressives, dating back to Elizabeth II’s reign, reflected the social divisions of the time. The bourgeoisie, including merchants, landowners, and professionals, aligned with the aristocracy, high clergy, and military to defend their privileges. Meanwhile, the petty bourgeoisie, middle classes, and other groups gravitated towards a more progressive stance, which evolved over time with social upheavals. This led to the emergence of groups like the Democrats, Republicans, the PSOE (founded by Pablo Iglesias in 1878), the UGT (1888), and various anarchist movements.
The Radicalization of the Progressive Movement
As the progressive movement radicalized into workerist and proletarian factions, the middle classes increasingly shifted towards conservative parties. This trend solidified the social divide between the middle class-bourgeoisie and the working class, with bourgeois liberals embracing workerist ideologies.
Literature as a Reflection of Society
The emergence of the new realistic novel mirrored the political and social issues of the country. Literature became a forum for ideological debates, with writers taking a committed stance, often progressive. This era culminated in more spiritualist or psychological approaches. Regenerationist literature, with its critical and nonconformist tone, aimed to combat ignorance and corruption, advocating for education, tolerance, freedom, progress, justice, and secularism. The ideas of ethical and spiritual regeneration found expression in the works of prominent novelists. Galdós, a key figure, laid the ideological groundwork for the next generation and was greatly admired by the writers of 1898. In later years, Spanish literature embraced foreign influences, including French naturalism and Russian novels.