Early 20th Century Spanish Politics: Instability and Reform

Early 20th Century Spanish Politics

Regenerationism and Political Reform

Polavieja Government

Attempted political system reform and tax reform, facing opposition.

Maura Government

Implemented the Electoral Act of 1907 and social laws. Forged an agreement with Catalan nationalists but also oversaw the harsh repression of the Tragic Week.

Canalejas Government

Introduced further reforms, including labor laws (the "Padlock Law") and changes to the tax system. Canalejas was assassinated by an anarchist in 1912.

Opposition Forces

• Republicanism
• Carlism and Traditionalism
• Working Class Movement (PSOE, UGT, and CNT)

The Evolution of Catalanism

Political Organizations

• Regionalist League Hegemony
• Catalan Solidarity Coalition (1906)
• Strengthening of the Catalan Republicans

Commonwealth of Catalonia (1914-1925)

The first self-government in Catalonia since 1714. Formed by the union of the four Catalan provinces and managed by the Regionalist League. Supported the promotion of Catalan culture and infrastructure. Abolished by the Primo de Rivera dictatorship.

Campaign for Independence (1919)

Failed due to opposition from the King, government, and an anti-Catalan campaign. Led to the political decline of the Regionalist League.

Internal Problems (1909-1917)

War in Morocco

Recruitment of troops for the Rif War led to the Tragic Week, a popular uprising against the war, met with harsh repression.

Crisis of 1917

The impact of World War I led to protests (Defense Meetings against the government and professional claims), a Parliamentary Assembly pushing for constitutional reforms, and a revolutionary strike by workers' unions (CNT and UGT), resulting in repression and arrests.

Decomposition of the System (1917-1923)

Political Crisis

Successive weak governments and increasing political instability.

Social Problems

• Economic crisis following World War I
• The Canadian Strike (1919)
• Rising social tensions and violence ("pistolerismo")

Moroccan Crisis

The Annual Disaster (1921)

Primo de Rivera Dictatorship (1923-1930)

The Coup

Stemmed from the Annual crisis, social tensions, and political instability. A military directory was established.

Characteristics

Economic

Focus on infrastructure development and state interventionist policies.

Political

• Suspension of the Constitution
• Imitation of Italian Fascism
• Persecution of Catalan culture
• Resolution of the Moroccan conflict (Battle of Alhucemas)

Opposition

Catalanists, Republicans, unions, and intellectuals.

Crisis (1930-1931)

Primo de Rivera's resignation and the call for elections. Loss of support for the monarchy and the dictator.