Alfonso XIII's 1931 Manifesto and Spain's Second Republic

Alfonso XIII's 1931 Manifesto

This primary source text, socio-political in nature, is the manifesto of Alfonso XIII addressed to the country. He handed it to the Council of Ministers on April 14, 1931, but it was published in ABC three days later, on April 17, 1931. It was subsequently published in other newspapers, often with accompanying commentary.

Historical Context

Alfonso XIII was the last monarch of his lineage to reign in Spain. The period leading up to 1931 was marked by political corruption, economic exhaustion, and growing labor and socialist movements. It was thought that Primo de Rivera could solve these problems (likened to a 'Surgeon Iron'). Alfonso XIII granted him power in 1923, which he held until 1930. The subsequent government was exhausted and collapsed in 1931.

This manifesto was drafted two days after the municipal elections of April 12, 1931, which saw a decisive victory for Republican candidates in almost every major city. This result was celebrated joyously in the streets by a large part of the population.

The Manifesto's Core Idea

The essential idea of the manifesto is Alfonso XIII's voluntary exile to avoid civil war. It serves as a farewell to the nation, acknowledging his lack of support, but notably, he does not formally abdicate. The text touches upon themes like 'the love of my people', 'critical junctures', 'royal prerogatives', 'my rights', 'deposits accumulated by history', 'collective consciousness', and the exercise of the 'Royal Power'.

References and Interpretations

The text refers to figures and events of the time. It mentions the government that held power after the fall of Primo de Rivera, likely referring to the government led by Admiral Aznar, which succeeded General Berenguer. Berenguer had resigned after failing to resolve the political crisis.

The municipal elections, held under this government, saw significant Republican victories in urban areas, which the text interprets as a loss of 'the love of my people' for the King. While Republican candidates won in cities, dynastic (monarchist) mayors were often elected in rural areas, where the old system of caciquismo (political bossism, associated with the Cánovas era) still held sway. Consequently, these municipal elections were widely interpreted as a referendum or plebiscite on the monarchy itself.

Speaking of 'critical junctures,' the text refers to significant historical events. One is the Rif War, which led to conscription ('the call to fifths') and social unrest, including anti-clericalism, rioting, and the burning of bourgeois houses, resulting in many deaths. It also alludes to the General Strike of 1917, which was prompted by rising poverty and inflation caused by World War I, which significantly affected Spain's economy.