Key Figures and Concepts in Modern Spanish History

PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Madrid on May 2, 1879. Since its inception, the party aimed to unite the Spanish industrial proletariat under Marxist ideology, later evolving towards a social democratic orientation.

UGT (General Workers' Union)

Founded by Pablo Iglesias in Barcelona on August 12, 1888. This Spanish labor union also evolved from a Marxist to a social democratic orientation, similar to the PSOE.

Antonio Maura (1853-1925)

A prominent Spanish politician and lawyer, he served five times as President of the Council of Ministers of Spain and head of government. During his tenure, Maura was determined to end caciquismo (chieftaincy), encouraged Spain's relations with Britain and France, and initiated campaigns for the occupation of Morocco. However, military protests following the "Disaster of Annual" in Morocco forced him to leave the government in 1921.

ILE (Institución Libre de Enseñanza)

Founded by Francisco Giner de los Ríos in 1879, the Institución Libre de Enseñanza (Free Institution of Education) aimed to renovate Spanish intellectual life through educational reform. It established influential centers like the Residencia de Estudiantes (Student Residence) and the Instituto-Escuela (School Institute). The ILE was ultimately dissolved by the Franco regime.

Juntas

A military protest movement against the government. These Juntas, chaired by Colonel Benito Márquez, demanded promotion based solely on seniority and higher pay.

Tragic Week (Semana Trágica)

A general strike that began in Barcelona on July 26, 1909, culminating in a violent crackdown that ended on August 2 of that year. This repression sparked strong protests both domestically and internationally, leading to the downfall of Antonio Maura's government.

Liberal Party

A Spanish political party founded in 1880 by Práxedes Mateo Sagasta. Together with the Conservative Party of Cánovas, it formed the two-party system (turnismo) characterized by alternation in government, which defined the Spanish political system from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

Dictatorship

A form of government where power is concentrated around a single individual (the dictator). It is characterized by a lack of separation of powers and a propensity to exercise arbitrary control for the benefit of the minority that supports it.

Autocrat

A person who exercises absolute government, where their will is the supreme law of a state. This term generally refers to an absolute monarch.

Antonio Cánovas del Castillo

A Spanish politician and historian, Antonio Cánovas del Castillo was one of the most influential figures in Spanish politics during the second half of the 19th century. As President of the Council of Ministers of Spain and the primary architect of the Restoration political system, he became the leader of the Conservative Party. He is considered one of the most brilliant conservative politicians of contemporary Spain, though criticized by detractors for creating a false appearance of democracy through the "turnismo" (alternation of parties).

Práxedes Mateo Sagasta

A civil engineer and Spanish politician, Práxedes Mateo Sagasta was a Liberal Party member of progressive leanings. He served several times as Prime Minister between 1870 and 1902 and was renowned for his rhetorical skills.