The Crisis and Collapse of the Spanish Restoration (1898-1931)

Introduction: The Crisis of 1898

The disaster of 1898 caused a general commotion in Spain. The regime entered a new phase marked by the ascent to the throne of Alfonso XIII in 1902 and ended in 1931 with the fall of the monarchy and the proclamation of the Second Republic.

The Reformist Dynastic System

1.1. Failure of the First Regenerationist Government

In 1899, the new Conservative leader, Francisco Silvela, called elections. Thus began a reformist policy that included projects for administrative decentralization. However, the increase of taxes on basic necessities and levies imposed to meet the debts incurred during the war in Cuba led to a boycott by contributors against tax collection. Although the Conservative government resisted in power, in 1901 the Queen granted the government management back to the Liberals.

1.2. The Reforms of Maura and Canalejas

In 1902, Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne. In 1903, Antonio Maura reached the head of the Conservative Party, and José Canalejas, the Liberal Party. Both promoted reform projects from within the system, but they maintained the electoral *Turno* (rotational system) and its inherent distortion.

Antonio Maura's Program

Antonio Maura, through the concept of the “neutral mass,” intended to set up a state capable of governing effectively, to oust the *cacique* (local political boss), and prevent the caste leadership of the working classes. He carried out reforms that made electoral fraud more difficult. Maura’s regime sought to attract moderate nationalism that was not Republican. He also took steps to revive industry and encourage agriculture.

José Canalejas's Program

In 1910, José Canalejas formed a Liberal government. His modernization program proposed policies to attract popular sectors and limit the power of the Church. In addition, he deepened the separation of church and state. He enacted the Padlock Law (*Ley del Candado*), which limited the creation of new religious orders. He also amended the Law of Recruitment, making military service mandatory and removing the option of cash redemption.

The Breakdown of the System (1917–1923)

2.1. Political Decay and Fragmentation

The Restoration regime entered a gradual decay due to the lack of political renewal and the strong heterogeneity and weakness of the opposition.

Dynastic parties fragmented into groups, making it impossible to gather a sufficient parliamentary majority. Cabinets were formed with the participation of dynastic leaders and Catalan regionalists, but internal differences made it impossible to carry out reforms, curb inflation, or restore social order.

The system eventually reverted to the *Turno* (rotational system), suspending constitutional guarantees and closing Parliament.

2.2. The Problem of Morocco: The Annual Disaster

In 1921, General Silvestre began an offensive into the Rif region that ended in disaster. The army was defeated at Annual and lost the entire occupied territory.

In 1923, the announcement that accountability would be demanded for the Annual event mobilized the army and the political right, who saw the solution to the crisis in a military dictatorship.