Alfonso XIII's Reign: Spanish Political Turmoil and Colonial Issues

Spain Under Alfonso XIII

Political Opposition

The Bourbon Restoration in Spain was characterized by alternating Liberal and Conservative governments. However, this system began to collapse due to internal divisions within both political parties. In addition, other parties were also gaining support:

• The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) argued for increased working-class access to power.
• Republican parties, such as the Radical Republican Party (PRR), argued for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.
• The Spanish Communist Party (PCE) argued for the creation of a Communist state similar to the USSR.
• Regionalist parties such as the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and the Regionalist League of Catalonia (LRC) demanded more autonomy for their regions. In response to growing regionalism, the government allowed the creation of regional associations, such as the Mancomunidad de Cataluña.

Social Conflicts

Trade unions such as Socialist UGT and Anarchist CNT achieved some important advances, including:

• Legal recognition for trade unions.
• An eight-hour working day and a six-day working week.
• The establishment of a pension system for retired workers.
• New laws to regulate female and child labour.

Colonial Problems

After the disaster of ’98 and the loss of its colonies, Spain tried to acquire new colonies in North Africa. Its aim was to rebuild its empire and regain international prestige. However, this renewed imperialism created new problems for the Spanish government.

Tragic Week

When Spanish reservists were sent to fight in Morocco in 1909, there were protests in Barcelona led by workers and the families of soldiers. These protests were brutally repressed by the army.

War in Morocco

In 1912, Spain established a protectorate over its newly acquired territories in Morocco. Other areas of Morocco were controlled by France. However, the presence of foreign troops provoked opposition from the native population of northern Morocco, which led to the outbreak of the Spanish-Moroccan Rif War (1920–1926). During this war, Spain suffered a severe defeat at the 1921 Battle of Annual, in which 14,000 soldiers were killed or taken prisoner.