The Spanish Colonial Empire’s Decline and the Aftermath
The Spanish Colonial Empire’s Decline
In the late 19th century, the remnants of the Spanish colonial empire consisted of Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and various smaller islands. Cuba and Puerto Rico, situated near the United States, had economies based on exporting sugarcane and tobacco. They were captive markets for expensive Castilian and Catalan textiles, prohibited from exporting sugar to Europe, and deprived of self-governance. In contrast, the Philippines had a smaller Spanish population and less invested capital. Colonization there focused on exploiting agricultural resources, monopolized by the old Philippine Tobacco Company.
Cuban Independence Movements
In 1868, Cuba’s autonomy movements began with the Cry of Yara, an uprising led by Manuel de Céspedes. This struggle aimed to abolish slavery and achieve political autonomy. The United States’ example, having abolished slavery after the Civil War, and its hegemonic ambitions in the Caribbean further fueled these movements. The Ten Years’ War (1868-1878) concluded with the Peace of Zanjón, promising Cuba self-governance. However, the results were limited, with only the formal abolition of slavery achieved.
The Path to Independence
A proposed autonomy law in 1895 arrived too late, and war intensified. In the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo led an insurrection. By 1897, with changes in Spanish leadership and the U.S. presidency, Cuban and Filipino independence leaders were in contact with the Americans. The Spanish government considered granting autonomy, but the U.S. intervened. Press campaigns fueled public opinion against Spanish colonialism, and the bombing of the USS Maine in 1898 provided a pretext for war in the Caribbean and the Philippines. Spanish defeats led to the Treaty of Paris, where Spain lost its remaining overseas colonies to the U.S.
The Aftermath of Colonial Loss
The loss of the colonies had profound consequences for Spain:
A Crisis of National Consciousness:
The Generation of ’98, a group of writers and intellectuals, critically examined Spain’s state of prostration, denouncing political corruption and advocating for regeneration.Political Regeneration:
The assassinations of Cánovas del Castillo and his successor, Silvela, along with Sagasta’s death, left a political void. Alfonso XIII became king in 1902, and the government continued under the turnismo system.Growth of the Labor Movement:
Worker mobilizations increased, including the 1903 general strike and the Tragic Week of 1909 in Barcelona. Anarcho-syndicalism expanded with the establishment of the CNT in 1910.Rise of Peripheral Nationalism:
Catalan nationalism gained prominence, leading to conflicts such as the 1905 elections, where the Lliga’s victory prompted criticism of the regime and the suspension of constitutional guarantees.The Colonial Issue Resurfaces:
Intervention in Morocco led to the Tragic Week of 1909, highlighting social unrest. Sending reservists to Morocco sparked protests in Barcelona, resulting in harsh repression and the execution of Ferrer Guardia. This led to Maura’s resignation.