Spain's Dictatorship: Berenguer and Aznar (1930-1931)

Last Stage of the Dictatorship: Damaso Berenguer and Admiral Aznar (1930 - 1931)

The 1929 economic crisis was also felt in Spain. The value of the peseta fell unexpectedly, and inflation soared (a marked increase in the price level with adverse effects on the economy). The economic miracle of the regime collapsed, and political and social forces mobilized.

In February 1929, there was an uprising in the army, and Primo de Rivera dissolved the Artillery, reflecting the army's dissatisfaction.

In January 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned to eventually have the support of the army, and King Alfonso XIII instructed Damaso Berenguer to form a government to close the last part of the scheme and return to the situation before 1923. This failed because:

• The Canovist system was practically exhausted by that time (1923).
• The King had given the green light to the coup that ushered in the dictatorship.

Berenguer's mistake was wanting to act as if nothing had happened. The Republican movement experienced a boom, supported by right-wing political ideology, nationalist groups, the labor movement (UGT, CNT, and PSOE), and even a sector of the army.

The Pact of San Sebastián (1930) was an agreement between leading representatives of the Republican opposition (promoted by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora and Miguel Maura) to form a platform for action against the monarchy. The most important agreement was the creation of a Revolutionary Committee, which would form a Provisional Government of the Republic and receive power after the fall of the monarchy.

The pronouncement in Jaca (in favor of the Republic) failed, and the captains who were shot and imprisoned led most of the Revolutionary Committee.

Shortly after, another coup attempt occurred at Cuatro Vientos Air Base in Madrid, which also failed but served to sway public opinion. Damaso Berenguer resigned in February 1931.

Following this resignation, the King instructed Admiral Aznar to form a government. He did, though it was weak and divided.

Aznar's big mistake was to call municipal elections to poll the public. He also judged the rebels of Four Winds, and the convictions were very mild.

The outcome of the elections was a majority of monarchist councilors (in areas where caciquismo had not been eradicated), but republicanism triumphed in the cities. The Republican flag flew in Eibar.