The 1917 Crisis in Spain: Neutrality, Social Unrest, and Political Consequences
Spain’s Neutrality During World War I (1914-1918)
Spain declared neutrality during World War I. While the government remained officially neutral, civil society was divided:
- Germanophiles: Upper class, church, army, and royal palace.
- Allied Supporters: Progressive sectors, Republicans, and those favoring democratic rights and respect for other nations.
- Neutralists: Primarily workers’ unions.
Economic Impact of Neutrality
Neutrality created a favorable economic climate for Spain. As a supplier of agricultural and industrial products to both sides of the conflict, Spain experienced economic expansion. However, this led to an inflationary process (1914-1919) that negatively impacted the middle class, whose purchasing power decreased. Increased prices and demands for higher wages resulted in strikes and social unrest.
The Crisis of 1917
The 1917 crisis was a culmination of several factors:
- The Russian Revolution inspired workers’ movements.
- Changing European borders and the concept of self-determination fueled Catalan and Basque nationalism.
Increased corporate profits and the simultaneous decline in workers’ purchasing power created a climate of social tension. Widespread protests, though not aimed at overthrowing the political system, highlighted the inability of various sectors to present a unified program and coordinate actions.
Consequences of the 1917 Crisis
The 1917 events did not lead to significant immediate political changes, but they did result in the resignation of Dato’s government and the formation of new governments to address the situation. The crisis further deteriorated living standards, increased unemployment, and fueled social unrest, including significant strike movements throughout Spain, particularly in Catalonia.
The Bolshevik Triennium (1918-1921)
This period saw the rise of anarchists and socialists within the revolutionary movement, along with peasant revolts. Unfulfilled promises and harsh repression by employers led to radicalization. Employers’ associations, often with military support, implemented strong-arm tactics, including the use of gunmen.
The Gunmen
The use of gunmen by employers to suppress labor movements led to further violence and retaliatory attacks by anarchist groups. Authorities often protected these gunmen, further escalating the conflict. The assassination of Prime Minister Dato in 1921 and CNT leader Salvador Seguí in 1923 highlighted the escalating violence.
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923)
The failure of successive governments, the dynastic crisis, social unrest caused by the gunmen, and the Annual disaster in Morocco created a climate of political instability. This culminated in the 1923 coup led by General Primo de Rivera.
Causes of the Dictatorship
- Failure of coalition governments.
- Dynastic crisis and political instability.
- Social unrest and violence.
- The Annual disaster in Morocco.
The Dictatorship’s Measures
Primo de Rivera suspended constitutional rights, dissolved political parties and trade unions, militarized public order, and implemented repressive measures. He created a single party, the Patriotic Union, to support the dictatorship.
Anti-Catalan Policies
The dictatorship targeted Catalan institutions and culture, suppressing Catalan language and traditions. This led to widespread opposition, particularly among Catalan nationalists.
Opposition to the Dictatorship
Despite criticism from certain sectors, the main opponents of the monarchist regime are Republicans (united the Republican Alliance), Catalan radicals, anarchists and communists. insurrectionary attempts CNT-starring as the shipyards of Barcelona, 1924– Confrontation between the more radical positions and those who maintained positions -1927 feasible believe the FAI (Iberian Anarchist Federation) PSOE hesitant to force the regime tolerant attitudes — 1929 makes a turn and becomes a political statement in opposition made in favor of the Republic – Largo UGT was appointed General Secretary of State. Catalanisme radical (Macia) prepares an armed raid in Catalonia from Prats de Mollo (1926) but failed big impact on the public propaganda Macia against dictatorship and international symbol of Catalan resistance. Spanish intellectuals and Catalans show their rejection of the 1924 Manifesto castellanos writers in defense of the Catalan language. The fall of the dictator on the consensus of conservative forces in the coup was weakening. Alfonso XIII, Primo de Rivera in force to resign in 1930 for fear of losing the monarchy. The General Berenguer replaced too slowly return to normal discontent with what they call “Dictablanda.Wave was gathering strength anti-royalist Republicans, socialists and Catalan left Covenants San Sebastian (1930) established a revolutionary committee that was to encourage the advent of the republic and recognizes the right of autonomy of Catalonia, Euskadi and Galicia. Jaca 1930 insurrectionary attempt to proclaim the Republic die shot. Finally in 1931 the monarchy government headed by Admiral Aznar attempts a return to normal as if nothing had happened all calling elections on April 12 became a plebiscite against the monarchy Second Republic