Modernism and the Restoration Period in Spanish History

Modernism (1880–1914)

Modernism combined fanciful forms with diverse materials. Its key characteristics include:

• Predominance of wavy lines and organic surfaces.
• Versatile material usage, including the trencadís (broken tile) technique.
• Essential decoration and a focus on architectural details.
• Nature-inspired elements and wide openings to the outside.

The most brilliant modernist architect was Antoni Gaudí.

The Restoration Period (1874–1931)

The Restoration began with the return of Alfonso XII in 1875, implementing a new political system regulated by the Constitution of 1876. This era was based on a two-party system (Conservative and Liberal) often manipulated by caciquismo and electoral fraud.

Stages of the Restoration

• 1872–1898: Consolidation of the system and government alternation.
• 1898–1931: Systemic crisis, including the reign of Alfonso XIII (1902–1931).

Political and Social Dynamics

The caciques were wealthy figures who controlled constituencies, influencing employment and political outcomes. Meanwhile, Catalan movements emerged:

• Progressive Catalanism: Valentí Almirall denounced the oppression of Catalonia.
• Conservative Catalanism: Josep Torras i Bages outlined the functions of a future autonomous government and promoted the Catalan language.

The Labor Movement

Harsh working conditions led to two main currents:

• Marxism: Pablo Iglesias founded the PSOE (1879) and the UGT (1888).
• Anarchism: Supported agricultural laborers and split into two trends: unionism (seeking improvements) and terrorism (targeting the state, bourgeoisie, and church, notably through bombings in Barcelona).

The Crisis of the Restoration (1898–1923)

The 1898 Disaster, where Spain lost its colonial markets following the Treaty of Paris, reshaped the political landscape:

• Lliga Regionalista: Supported by the Catalan bourgeoisie, it advocated for the Catalan language and autonomy, eventually achieving the Mancomunitat de Catalunya in 1914.
• Radical Republican Party: Anti-absolutist and supported by the working class, notably involved in the Tragic Week of 1909, where workers burned religious buildings.