The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera: Political and Economic Impact

The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera

The dictator's first decision marked a clear direction for how the country would be governed. Following the dissolution of the Parliament and the Cortes, a decree was issued forbidding the use of any language other than Castilian. The Commonwealth of Catalonia was seized with the appointment of the curator Alfons, and the Provincial Board was dissolved.

Military and Political Strategy

Conscious of the need to keep the army satisfied, the regime allied with the French to campaign against Abd el Krim, who finally yielded, boosting the prestige of Primo de Rivera. Additionally, the system implemented a ladder of promotions based on military merit.

The Civil Directory and Patriotic Union

In 1925, a government with civil society participation was ushered in, aiming to end patronage. Calvo Sotelo governed alongside Primo de Rivera in what was denominated the Civil Directory. To create a base of followers, the Patriotic Union was founded, which held a far-right ideology.

The National Consultative Assembly

In 1927, the National Consultative Assembly was created. Its members did not represent the citizens directly, but rather specific sectors of society.

Economic Policy and Public Works

The years of the dictatorship coincided with a period of international economic prosperity that manifested in Spain until the global crisis of 1929. The economic policy was protectionist and interventionist. Positive aspects included state investment in public works, such as:

• Completion of the rail network
• Establishment of hydroelectric dams
• Construction of reservoirs and roads

Social Policy and Labor

The social network had the dual objective of promoting social peace and protecting workers. The main initiative was the creation of a corporate organization in all industry sectors based on joint committees, where employers and workers agreed on working hours and salaries.

The Fall of the Regime

While there was some conspiracy against Primo, he did not face strong initial opposition. However, as the dictatorship stretched on, it lost supporters. When the dictator realized in January 1930 that he had lost the support of the King and military leaders, he resigned.

Transition to the Second Republic

This dictatorship resulted in the eventual proclamation of the Second Republic, following municipal elections. This shifted the government of Spain and intensified the clash between the monarchy and the republic, ultimately leading to the 1936 Civil War.