Spain 1900-1939: From Imperial Decline to Cultural Rebirth

Sociocultural Context of Early 20th Century Spain

The sociocultural context of the twentieth century until 1939 was defined by the loss of the last colonies. The loss of Cuba and the Philippines became a wake-up call for intellectuals and Spanish politicians, fostering a clear awareness of the crisis facing the country. Spain entered the twentieth century as a nation in decline with serious problems in all aspects, including a deep economic crisis.

Political Regimes and the Second Republic

Various political regimes occurred during this time: the monarchy of Alfonso XIII, the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, and the Second Republic, which was proclaimed in April 1931. Five years later, a military uprising against the Republic took place. In 1931, local elections gave a clear victory for the Republicans. Given the strength of the facts, the King left Spain, and the Second Republic was proclaimed. A Court was convened, and elections were held to draft a new constitution.

Global Influence and Social Conflict

Meanwhile, in the West, various events marked the first third of the century and had a great influence on the following decades, such as World War I. From a social point of view, which was always closely tied to the economy, the most significant aspect was that Spain experienced years of conflict and tensions between workers and employers. Significant social tensions also existed within the rural world.

Economic Progress and Agricultural Stagnation

The Spanish economy met relative progress during that period, but many problems remained unresolved despite the undeniable progress of industry and investments of domestic and foreign capital. The misallocation of land, with many unproductive estates, a lack of modernization in agricultural work, and the inefficiency or lack of concern from the administration left the Spanish countryside in a sorry state.

Intellectual Life and Literary Movements

In 1901, the Residencia de Estudiantes was founded for many young intellectuals, such as Federico García Lorca. Modernism and the Generation of '98 were groups of writers who reacted against the literature of the previous era. Notable figures include:

• Rubén Darío
• Juan Ramón Jiménez
• Antonio Machado
• Miguel de Unamuno
• Azorín
• Pío Baroja

The Generation of '27

In the twenties, the Generation of '27 began to publish several poems. These authors absorbed and adapted modern interior aesthetic trends. Key figures published alongside García Lorca include:

• Vicente Aleixendre
• Rafael Alberti
• Luis Cernuda