Spain's 20th Century: From Monarchy to Dictatorship and Transition

Alfonso XIII's Reign (1902-1931)

Challenges faced during this period included Catalan regionalism, the sensitive Morocco War, opposition from the labor movement and the left, and anarchist terrorism.

Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship (1923-1930)

Key events and policies:

• End of the War in Morocco
• Implementation of an Italian corporate system
• Resolution of social conflict in Catalonia
• International Exhibition in Barcelona and Ibero-American Exposition in Seville

Second Republic Reforms (1931-1936)

Led by the left, this period saw:

• A new constitution
• Autonomy for Catalonia
• Military reform
• Religious reform
• Land reform (addressing both mini- and large estates)

Conservative Government (1933-1935)

Focus on rights; reforms slowed, leading to the crisis of 1934:

• Asturias Revolution
• Catalan uprising

Popular Front Government (1936)

Left-leaning, led by Manuel Azaña. The government aimed to continue pending reforms but faced threats of a revolutionary outbreak or a military coup. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo by opponents of the Popular Front triggered the Civil War.

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Conflict between:

• Carlist monarchists and Falangists (led by Emilio Mola, then Francisco Franco), supported by Italy and Germany
• Republicans, supported by the Soviet Union and the International Brigades

Franco's victory led to the establishment of a dictatorship.

Franco's Regime: Political System

The Constitution was replaced by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom. The National Movement was the sole political party, concentrating power in Franco.

Guiding principles: Country, Religion, Unity, and Order.

Key support pillars: Army, Church (Catholic nationalism), and Falange.

Totalitarian Stage

• Head of state: Franco
• Government: Comprised military and Catholic figures, Falange influence
• Courts: Advisory body
• Other features: International isolation, Falange influence, repression

Technocratic Stage

Limited political liberalization reflected in:

• Press Law of 1966
• Law on Religious Freedom
• Separation of head of state and government
• Ratification of monarchy with Juan Carlos as successor

Autarkic Stage

Economic self-sufficiency policy. Implementation of interventionist measures, leading to ration cards and a black market. Autarky ultimately failed.

Developmental Stage

Incorporation of the Spanish economy into international organizations. Implementation of liberalizing measures and economic development plans. Increased foreign exchange earnings from tourism and emigration to Europe and America (mainly the U.S.). Spain experienced growth in industrial production, exports, and wages.

International Isolation

Franco's regime's initial cooperation and friendship with Italy and Germany (including the Blue Division) led to a period of international isolation.

International Openness and Full Integration

Concordat of the Holy See and bilateral agreements with the U.S. Decolonization.

Political Opposition

Two main alternatives:

• Republican (anarchists, communists, and socialists), including guerrilla fighters (maquis)
• Monarchical (Bourbon), with John's controversial entry in Munich

Unionism

Workers' unions fell under vertical control. Strikes occurred in the 1950s. Increased labor and university unrest in the 1960s led to the emergence of workers' committees in enterprises, with significant influence from the CCOO (Workers' Commissions).