Understanding Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: A Historical Analysis
1. Classification and Typology
The text is a manifesto published on September 14, 1923, by Primo de Rivera after his coup d’état. It’s a primary source of historical and political nature, narrative in form, where Primo de Rivera exposes his political ideals. The manifesto is addressed to the Spanish public.
The author is Miguel Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja (1870-1930), a Spanish political and military figure who advocated for order, discipline, and patriotism. Raised during the Restoration era in a family with military tradition, he was influenced by his uncle, Fernando Primo de Rivera, Marquis of Estella, who died at Annual in 1921.
2. Analysis
The manifesto first addresses the public, then details the reasons for the intervention. It alludes to the 1898 disaster (loss of Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico) as the beginning of a “picture of misery and immorality.” The second paragraph outlines the intended form of government to end the rebellion. The third paragraph appeals to Spanish masculinity to restore national strength. The fourth paragraph explains the goals of his tenure. Finally, it discusses the separation of political powers.
The text appears incomplete, with ellipses indicating missing parts of the original.
3. Historical Context and Commentary
The manifesto was published after Primo de Rivera’s coup as Captain General of Catalonia. The idea of a military coup had been circulating since early 1923 among the military and civilian media. Initially planned with the King’s consent, it was ultimately carried out with the support of the Catalan bourgeoisie, concerned by anarchist terrorism. The King’s silence gave the coup the necessary impetus. Alfonso XIII then instructed Primo de Rivera to form a new government. Several factors led to the military dictatorship being seen as a solution to the country’s crisis among the gentry, middle classes, and military. The coup’s causes included:
- The army’s discontent after the Annual disaster and the desire to avoid the consequences of the Picasso Report.
- The rise of peripheral nationalisms, Republicans, and the labor movement.
- The victory of fascism in Italy.
Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship had two phases:
Military Directory (1923-1925): A government formed by senior officers. Key measures included:
- Publication of a manifesto to the Spanish people.
- Military control of all aspects of national life.
- Dissolution of Congress and part of the elective Senate.
The dictatorship aimed to solve the Restoration’s failures: political corruption, regionalism, the Morocco problem, and public order.
Civil Directory (1925-1930): The military board was replaced, supported by the Patriotic Union and the National Consultative Assembly. Actions included attempts to stabilize the economy, the Corporate Organization of Labor, and development efforts.
Opposition to the dictatorship spanned a wide political spectrum, leading to discontent within the army and ultimately Primo de Rivera’s resignation.
The manifesto criticizes the Restoration’s political system as unlawful and advocates for extreme measures, leading to a military dictatorship. It condemns the political maneuvering, calling it a “dense network of lust.” The second paragraph outlines the goals of his tenure. Referring to the Defense Boards of 1917, he justifies his actions “for Spain and the King.” Primo de Rivera appeals to Spanish masculinity to restore national strength, listing societal ills like murder and robbery. The fourth paragraph announces a military board (1923-1925) to ensure public order and the functioning of government, also mentioning the tragedy of Morocco. Finally, it speaks of the “collective responsibility of political parties” that have been out of power.
4. Assessment and Conclusion
Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship marked the beginning of the crisis of 1917. Its end was precipitated by growing discontent within the army and across the political spectrum, exacerbated by economic problems after the 1929 New York crash and social unrest. He resigned on January 27, 1930.