Key Events and Concepts of 20th Century Spanish History

Key Concepts and Timeline of 20th Century Spanish History

Defining Moments and Terms

Tragic Week

A protest in 1909 against sending troops to Morocco, which led to a general strike followed by a popular uprising in which convents were attacked and burned. The army suppressed the rebellion, resulting in many deaths and executions.

Casas Viejas Incident

The Civil Guard and Assault Guard suppressed an anarchist uprising in Cádiz in 1933, resulting in many deaths and contributing to the overthrow of the Azaña government.

Popular Front

A political coalition formed in 1936, composed of left-wing Republicans, Socialists, and Communists. Its goals included resuming the reforms of the 'Reformist Biennium' and declaring amnesty for political prisoners.

Autarky

An economic policy that restricts imports and limits trade relations with other countries, notably implemented during the early Francoist regime.

Vertical Unionism

A trade union model implemented during the Francoist dictatorship, led by the Falange. It was characterized by mandatory membership and the prohibition of strikes, claiming to represent both employers and workers.

Ration Cards

Introduced during periods of scarcity, particularly in post-Civil War Spain, these cards aimed to manage food supply but provided limited rations, ultimately leading to increased poverty and the proliferation of illegal markets (Extraperlo).

Opus Dei

A conservative Catholic institution founded by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer in 1928, which gained significant influence during the Francoist regime.

INI (National Institute of Industry)

A state-owned enterprise created in 1941 to finance and promote industrial projects, playing a key role in Spain's post-Civil War economic development.

Extraperlo

Illegal trade in goods subject to state taxation or control, often involving black market activities, prevalent during the post-Civil War period due to economic hardship and rationing.

Ideological Foundations of Francoist Spain

• Fascism: Characterized by a single leader and single party, the use of fascist symbols, and the fascist salute.
• National Catholicism: The Church was legitimized as a crusade, Spain was declared a Catholic country, and special privileges were granted to the Church.
• Traditionalism: Liberal ideas were considered the cause of Spanish decadence, advocating for a return to traditional values.
• National Unity: Exaltation of Spanish unity and the abolition of regional Statutes of Autonomy.
• Evolution of the Regime:
  • 1939-1945: Fascist-inspired laws and military control.
  • 1945-1959: Period of international isolation and a more pronounced Catholic dictatorship.
  • 1959-1975: Spain abandoned its isolation, the dictatorship's core didn't change, but opposition grew, and the economy and society underwent significant transformation.

Key Dates in 20th Century Spanish History

• 1902: Start of the Second Restoration phase (1874-1931) and the 'Restoration Crisis'. Alfonso XIII began his effective reign.
• 1909: Tragic Week in Barcelona.
• 1910: Founding of the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo).
• 1917: Crisis of 1917 (military, political, and social unrest).
• 1921: Disaster of Annual (military defeat in Morocco). Founding of the PCE (Communist Party of Spain).
• 1923-1930: Primo de Rivera Dictatorship.
  • 1923-1925: Military Directory.
  • 1925-1930: Civil Directory.
• 1927: Creation of the FAI (Iberian Anarchist Federation).
• 1931: Proclamation of the Second Republic and approval of its Constitution.
• 1931-1933: Reformist Biennium (period of significant social and political reforms).
• 1933-1936: Black Biennium (conservative backlash). Key events include the Casas Viejas Incident (1933), the creation of the Falange Española (1933), and the Popular Front's election victory (1936).
• 1934: October Revolution (Asturian Miners' Strike).
• 1936-1939: Spanish Civil War (began July 17, 1936, ended April 1, 1939).
• 1939-1975: Francoist Dictatorship in Spain.
• 1941: Creation of the INI (National Institute of Industry).
• 1942: Creation of the Cortes Españolas (Spanish Parliament).
• 1945: Fuero de los Españoles (Charter of the Spanish People) enacted.
• 1962-1973: Significant Internal Migration in Spain (rural exodus to industrial areas).