Crisis and Collapse of the Restoration System in Spain (1917-1923)

Crisis and Collapse of the Restoration System

The Triple Crisis of 1917

The failure of Maura and Canalejas ushered in an era of instability, culminating in the triple crisis of 1917 and the 1923 coup. Governments were weak and overwhelmed by problems.

World War I and Social Unrest: Spain's neutrality during World War I allowed for profitable trade with warring nations, tripling Bank of Spain reserves. However, this created social consequences:

• Unequal wealth distribution and increased social differences.
• Alarming inflation and doubled cost of necessities.
• Slow wage growth, reducing workers' purchasing power.

News of the 1917 Russian Revolution fueled unrest, leading to a general strike aimed at replacing the monarchy with a republic.

The government faced not only social problems but also military discomfort due to poor economic conditions and promotion policies. A confrontation between peninsular and africanista military factions led to the creation of the Juntas Militares de Defensa. The government's order to dissolve these juntas caused a cabinet crisis.

Political dissatisfaction led to an Assembly of Parliamentarians in Barcelona demanding a new constitution and autonomy for Catalonia. A revolutionary general strike further highlighted the military and political protests. The Lliga's acceptance of a government led by García Prieto dealt a fatal blow to the Restoration system.

Morocco and the Annual Disaster

Amidst political, social, and economic turmoil, a colonial disaster unfolded in Morocco. Following the Treaty of Fez, which established a French and Spanish protectorate, military operations in the Spanish zone led to the Annual Disaster.

General Silvestre's offensive against Abd el-Krim's Rif rebels resulted in a devastating defeat at Annual and the massacre of over 3,000 Spanish soldiers at Mount Arruit. Maura returned to lead a government of national concentration. The Picasso Commission's investigation revealed inefficiency and corruption within the army, sparking public outrage.