The Crisis of 1898 in Spain: Origins and Impact
Introduction
The loss of Spain’s last colonies triggered a major crisis, known as the Crisis of 1898. The idea of “regeneration” of the system emerged as a solution, seeking, among other things, to end the practice of *turnismo* (the alternating of political parties in power).
Cuba’s War
To understand the causes of the war in Cuba, we must first look at the Ten Years’ War (1868-1878). This conflict arose from a clash of interests between the Spanish government and the Cuban Creole bourgeoisie. The Creoles were still under a military dictatorship, and the metropolis held a monopoly on the Cuban market. The conflict ended with the Peace of Zanjón (1878), in which Spain granted autonomy, political amnesty, and the abolition of slavery in Cuba. However, Spain’s failure to fully comply with this agreement triggered a new war in 1895.
The Montecristo Manifesto (March 1895), written by José Martí (founder of the Cuban Revolutionary Party in 1892) and co-signed by Máximo Gómez (army general), articulated the reasons for the rebellion.
The insurgency began with the *Grito de Baire* (1895), where Antonio Maceo and Máximo Gómez assumed command after the death of José Martí. Spain initially sent Martínez Campos to negotiate, but talks proved impossible.
In 1897, Spain sent General Weyler, who adopted a “total war” strategy, isolating civilians in their villages to prevent contact with the revolutionaries.
Weyler’s harsh tactics led the U.S. to launch a smear campaign against Spain through the press, ostensibly to “defend freedom,” but in reality driven by economic and geographical interests. Tropical diseases and Cuban guerrilla warfare increasingly depleted the ill-prepared Spanish army.
With the death of Cánovas del Castillo and the subsequent change of government, General Blanco was sent to offer the Cubans broad autonomy. However, dialogue was impossible, especially due to the change in the U.S. government (with McKinley, a Republican, taking office) and significant American interests in Cuba.
Philippines and Puerto Rico
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, islanders had been demanding independence since 1896, led by José Rizal. His execution further fueled this sentiment. After the Treaty of Paris, a bloody war with the U.S. began, lasting until 1911. The Philippines did not achieve independence until 1946, and even then, remained dependent on the U.S.
Spanish-American War
The U.S. had previously attempted to buy Cuba from Spain, but Spain refused. The explosion of the USS Maine (1898) provided the U.S. with a pretext to blame Spain and declare war. Spain, driven by pride, embarked on a war they knew they could not win, especially since the Spanish wooden ships were no match for the U.S. battleships. This ultimately led Spain to sign the Treaty of Paris (December 1898) with the U.S., ceding all its colonial possessions for cash.
Consequences of the Loss of the Last Colonies
The consequences of losing the last colonies were, above all, human and economic. Spain no longer held a commercial monopoly over Cuba, but this also brought a degree of relief (as they no longer had to maintain the Philippines and Puerto Rico). The crisis also led to the repatriation of capital from the Spanish bourgeoisie in Cuba.
As for the political consequences, the crisis of the Restoration system eventually led to the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera. A growing national consciousness, critical of politicians, the corrupt system, and the *caciques* (local political bosses), along with rising nationalism and the labor movement, created a climate of “regeneration” that would ultimately lead to the system’s collapse.