Spain's Early 20th Century: Reforms, Revolts, and Political Instability
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Conservative Reform Efforts (1902-1909)
The reign of Alfonso XIII, beginning in 1902, was immediately marked by a profound crisis stemming from the 'Disaster of '98'. Conservative governments, led by Silvela-Polavieja and Antonio Maura, attempted various reforms until 1909. However, these attempts to reorganize the political system, without dismantling patronage and electoral corruption, ultimately failed.
While the traditional Turno system parties were losing influence, strong opposition movements emerged:
- The rise of republicanism.
- Catalan nationalist groups achieved significant electoral success in 1907.
- Socialism (PSOE) and its trade union (UGT) consolidated their presence. Pablo Iglesias, in 1910, became the first socialist deputy.
- Anarchist