Spain’s Authoritarian Era: Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923–1930)
Causes of the Coup
Several factors explain why the military dictatorship was viewed as a solution to the crisis among the high bourgeoisie, much of the middle classes, and the Army:
- Military Discontent: Unhappiness within the Army following the Disaster of Annual and the effort to suppress the consequences of the Picasso File investigation, which implicated high-ranking generals, including General Berenguer.
- Political Instability: The rise of peripheral
Architectural Legacy: The Great Mosque of Cordoba’s Almanzor Expansion
Architectural Features of the Cordoba Mosque Expansion
Distinctive Arch and Door Designs
The expansion features records with new decorations. The arch is significantly more closed, resulting in eccentric intrados and extrados. Door architraves are adorned with voussoirs. An alfiz, with painted decoration in red and white, frames the door. Pai pai decoration is visible in the upper corners of the arch.
Upper Floor and Side Door Elements
On the second floor, intersecting arches create Caliphate horseshoe
Read MoreWorld War I: Causes, Development, and Russian Revolutions
Causes of the Conflict
Hostility between France and Germany stemmed from the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), during which Prussia defeated France and annexed Alsace-Lorraine. Germany, though disadvantaged in colonial partitioning compared to France and Great Britain, led Europe’s industrial and economic development and sought its own colonial empire. Nations formed alliances to protect their interests, with no international forum for dispute resolution. The Second Industrial Revolution fueled an
Read MoreSpain’s 1898 Crisis: Loss of Colonies and National Impact
The loss of Spain’s last major colonies—Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines—in 1898 triggered a profound national crisis, famously known as the “Disaster of ’98.” This period generated widespread demoralization and disgust with the perceived political and military weakness of the government, marking a new stage in Spain’s contemporary history.
Roots of Conflict: Cuba’s Struggle for Independence
As a background to this situation, the long Ten Years’ War (1868-1878) in Cuba stands out. Fueled
Read MoreSpanish History: Republic, Civil War & Key Events
Causes of Government Collapse in Spain
Among the reasons for the collapse of government, it is necessary to mention the growing prestige of radical movements following events in Asturias, and significant corruption scandals, notably the “Strap” and “Case” affairs.
The Jaca Uprising (1930)
The leadership of the uprising in Jaca corresponded to Fermín Galán, Captain of the Infantry Regiment Galicia number 19. He also had the support of Captain Ángel García Hernández, who commanded the machine gun
Read More17th Century Europe: Political Systems, Economic Thought, and Social Change
Key Concepts of 17th Century Europe
Authoritarian Monarchies
The powers of state government were controlled by the monarch alone, who ruled without having to consult traditional institutions, such as the Cortes or other forms of parliament.
Parliamentary System
The power of the monarch or the most senior authority was limited by a parliament, which represented the interests of the three estates.
Mercantilism
Most European states adhered to the principles of mercantilism, an economic theory and practice
