The Primo de Rivera Dictatorship and the Fall of the Monarchy

Military Directory: Establishing Order

The military directory was established as a direct measure by the military dictatorship to act as an advisory body. Its primary initiatives to achieve "social peace" and restore "order" included:

• Replacing civilian governors with military rulers.
• Restricting press freedom.
• Banning workers' demonstrations.
• Forcing intellectuals into exile.
• Centralizing political and territorial administration based on nationalism.
• Ending the Morocco conflict following the Al Hoceima landing.
• Reforming provincial and municipal administration.
• Attempting to organize politics around a single party, the Patriotic Union, based on the ideals of "Patria, Religion, and Monarchy."

Despite having many affiliates, the regime could not resist the eventual fall of the dictatorship.

Civil Directorate: Institutionalization and Reform

Following military achievements and the economic recovery of the "Roaring Twenties," many expected the dictatorship to end. However, Primo de Rivera attempted to perpetuate the system by including politicians in a civil government, forming the Civil Directorate to institutionalize the regime.

• Political Maneuvering: A plebiscite was conducted to demonstrate popular support, followed by the creation of the National Advisory Assembly.
• Constitutional Failure: Attempts to pass a new constitution were rejected.
• Economic Intervention: The state played a significant role in the economy, creating monopolies such as the telephone company and CAMPSA.
• Public Works: Development included the expansion of the national road network, railway improvements, and the creation of Hydraulic Confederations to produce hydroelectric energy.
• International Presence: To showcase development, the regime hosted the Seville and Barcelona Ibero-American Universal Exhibitions.
• Social Progress: Workplace advancements included the creation of the Corporate Organization of Work to regulate pay and working conditions.

The Sinking of the Monarchy

After the exile of Primo de Rivera, the monarchy lasted until April 1931. Its decline was driven by:

• The discrediting of the monarchy due to the dictatorship.
• The loss of credibility of old dynastic parties.
• The defection of monarchists like Niceto Alcalá-Zamora.
• Hostility from republicans, intellectuals, and the labor movement.

The King was left with support only from the army. Following Primo de Rivera's resignation, the King appointed General Berenguer to form a government (the "Dictablanda") with the mission to restore constitutional rule. However, Berenguer failed to call elections, leading republicans, socialists, and intellectuals to sign the Pact of San Sebastian to end the monarchy.

With no other options, Alfonso XIII appointed Admiral Aznar to form a government to restore freedom. Aznar called elections, which resulted in a republican victory in towns and cities, while monarchists held the countryside. With the loss of support from figures like Sanjurjo, the King went into exile, and the caretaker government implemented the Second Republic.