UGT-CNT Manifesto: A Call for Proletariat Rights in 1917 Spain
UGT-CNT Assembly Manifesto (1917)
This manifesto, a protest with economic and primarily social content, was drafted in Madrid on March 28, 1917, jointly by the General Union of Workers (UGT) and the National Confederation of Workers (CNT). Despite their sociological differences, they united with the intention of achieving the widest possible distribution. The UGT, with its socialist ideology, was mainly based in Madrid, the Basque Country, and Asturias, while the CNT, with its anarchist ideology, was prevalent in Catalonia and Andalusia.
Both organizations agreed on their attempt to abolish private property, improve the conditions of the proletariat, and stand against the liberal state and capitalism. In the case of anarchism, this meant opposing any kind of state or government, while socialism sought a state controlled by the workers. Both were unions that later became a blanket hiding place for violent groups.
Historical Context: Restoration Era
This occurred during the Restoration era under the reign of Alfonso XIII, following the suppression of the Military Juntas and the closure of the courts by Eduardo Dato. The manifesto also highlights the deep crisis within the political system, characterized by turnismo, a centralization of power, and bipartisan political forces loyal to the regime.
Manifesto’s Purpose: Proletariat Living Conditions
The purpose of this manifesto was to force the conservatives, or dominant bloc, to change the system to provide minimal living conditions necessary for the proletariat – those who do not own the means of production and exchange their labor for wages. This was partly due to the impact of World War I (1914-1919), which favored trade but also caused a price increase that was not proportional to wages.
Criticisms and Demands
The manifesto criticizes the government’s protection of the so-called “exploitation helpers” (entrepreneurs). This system favored the conservative classes and lacked labor laws. The agreement reached was the need for a general strike of indefinite duration, mobilizing other unions to make it viable and educate the proletariat about their rights.
Aftermath and Repression
Only two months later, another meeting was held in Barcelona at the initiative of Francesc Cambó, but it was forcibly dissolved. This, coupled with the closure of the courts and social destabilization, ultimately unleashed the convening of a general strike. However, it did not receive support from the Andalusian peasantry or the Parliamentary Assembly, as some of its members became part of new concentration governments.
Despite the manifesto’s clear motives and peaceful intentions, a state of war was declared, resulting in over 60 deaths among the proletariat, 2000 arrests, and imprisonment for leaders such as Sabonit, Largo Caballero, and Besteiro. Faced with worsening conditions, many employers preferred to close businesses (lock out) rather than raise wages.
Escalation of Violence
With the triumph of the Bolshevik Revolution, the situation worsened, and anarchists and socialists adopted increasingly violent behavior. Entrepreneurs created the Free Trade Unions, armed groups that had government support and targeted union leaders. Anti-fascism and democratic communism also developed. The situation ended with the coup of Miguel Primo de Rivera, although many believed he took a strong hand during the conflict.