The Spanish Crisis of 1917: A Turning Point
The Spanish Crisis of 1917
Overview
The crisis of 1917 unfolded in three major movements that converged with the goal of overthrowing the government. The protagonists were:
- Military members
- Workers
The Military Movement
A vindictive military movement arose, unhappy with the privileges of officers serving in Morocco (promotions, salary). Juntas emerged demanding improvements, causing the fall of the Liberal government of Garcia Prieto and the rise of the conservative Eduardo Dato. The government eventually succumbed to military pressure and enacted the Law of Jurisdictions (1918). The Law of Jurisdictions became a guarantor of social order and an active element in political life.
The Political Movement: The Parliamentary Assembly
Since February 1917, the Parliament remained closed. However, a group of Catalan and reformist deputies and senators formed the Parliamentary Assembly in Barcelona to promote fundamental reform of Spain’s political life. The Assembly, which enjoyed strong popular support, demanded a change of government and the convening of Constituent Cortes. The government ignored the reformist petition, increasing distrust of the army.
The Labor Movement: The General Strike
The general strike was the main factor in the crisis. Social and worker unrest had been steadily increasing since 1914 due to rising prices, scarcity of resources, and a government unable to implement control measures. In August 1917, the UGT, CNT, and PSOE, along with some Republican sectors, called for a general strike. The strike had a dual character:
- Economic: With demands for wage increases and reduced working hours.
- Political: With the need for profound changes in the government.
The strike spread throughout the country, and the government’s response was harsh: troops were deployed, leading to confrontations with pickets. The number of deaths, injuries, and detainees increased. Strike committee members in Madrid were arrested (Julián Besteiro and Francisco Largo Caballero).
Implications of the Crisis of 1917
August 1917 demonstrated the mobilization capacity of unions. Furthermore, with the threat to social order, the movement took a juntista turn: officers supported repression and abandoned any desire for reform. The crisis also brought about a crisis of governance: Dato resigned, and a coalition government was formed, which included Catalans. However, the demands of the Parliamentarians did not fit into the new government’s program.