Alfonso XIII's Manifesto: The Fall of the Monarchy

Alfonso XIII's Manifesto: The Fall of the Spanish Monarchy

This text is of a political and historical nature. The author is Alfonso XIII, and his manifesto was published by the newspaper ABC, a monarchist publication founded in 1902 by Torcuato Luca de Tena. The manifesto was released on April 17, 1931, just five days after the municipal elections and three days after the proclamation of the Second Republic. This period marked the fall of the monarchy, which had been anticipated.

The monarchy's decline began with the waning of the Primo de Rivera regime, a period known as the "Dictablanda" (soft dictatorship). The monarchy's downfall was caused by various pre-existing problems, but the final straw was the failure of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship. Alfonso XIII had tied the fate of the country, the monarchy, and himself to this dictatorship.

The Transition and Berenguer's Appointment

When the dictator resigned, Berenguer was appointed by the King as head of government. He faced a difficult task: to reinstate the liberal constitutional system, which had been suspended by the dictatorship, and revert to the Constitution of 1876. This proposal was unacceptable because it did not grant sovereignty to the people. Another of his tasks was to prevent the King from being seen as the head of the military coup and the years of dictatorship.

However, none of his goals seemed achievable. Reinstating the constitution was possible but not advisable, and the King was too unpopular due to his association with the dictatorship.

The 1931 Elections and the King's Departure

In 1931, Berenguer was replaced by Admiral Aznar, who called for municipal elections and headed a new government. The results were 55% for monarchist candidates, with greater support in rural areas, and 45% for Republicans.

In conclusion, Alfonso XIII accepted national sovereignty, suspended the army's royal power, and left Spain with the deluded hope that the country would call for him after his departure, believing the country could not manage without him. He eventually died in Rome in 1941 and never returned.

The Proclamation of the Second Republic

Three days before his departure, the Second Republic was proclaimed, with Alcalá Zamora temporarily assuming power until late 1931. During this period, general elections were held, and the left emerged victorious.