Spain's 1923 Military Coup: Political Justification and Crisis

Analysis of the September 1923 Coup in Spain

This text dates from 13 September 1923, at which time a bank gives primus inter pares status to a coup in the country. General Primo de Rivera (military and political figure) was proclaimed dictator in Spain from 1923 to 1930, implementing a policy based on military social order.

The Epoch of 1923 Justification

The document outlines the justification for the 1923 coup in Madrid, presented to the people to explain the military action and avoid criticism from society. The army addresses one of its major mandates. Its primary idea is to justify the coup and criticize the politicians who, according to the text, are running the country into disaster.

Political Attacks and Restoration Attempts

The text avoids explicitly stating the coup's intent to restore order, fearing public backlash. It refers to politicians responsible for the "picture of misery and immorality in '98", referencing the loss of Cuba and the Philippines—rich territories where Spain's decline began. These misfortunes, the document claims, have continued with the appearance of terrorists, strikes, and demonstrations.

The Role of the Monarchy

The second paragraph addresses the King's involvement, suggesting he is entangled in a "dense network of desires" surrounding the proposed monarchy, which is living through Spain's disaster. Concerns are raised that the King has theoretically drifted into fraudulent procedures, such as the alleged manipulation of elections (the pucherazo).

The text states that in Spain, "governments administer what they say; they no longer govern," alluding to the leaders who clash amongst themselves but only govern thanks to turnismo (the system where two main political parties take turns holding power without real opposition).

At the end of this section, the document identifies those to blame for the disaster, showing where civil governors or governors controlled the Patriotic Union. This Union was subsequently appointed as the main iron fist to repress the system, tired of the constant, inefficient patches seen previously.

Essential Aims and Monarchy Preservation

This action was essentially taken to save Spain and, especially, the King. The final paragraph continues to discuss the Monarchy, explaining the goals proposed by the coup, justifying it by citing:

• The gunman's intent to kill, murder, or massacre (metaphorically referring to the political violence).
• The contempt for the Monarchy.
• The corruption existing in Spain.
• The fact that political parties remain disconnected from the people.

Consequences and Discontent

The text blames political parties for every annual disaster, specifically mentioning the Riff War (the colony of the Riff) and the loss of almost 10,000 men. All these factors led to economic complications and popular discontent.