Spain's Early 20th Century: Reforms, Revolts, and Political Instability

Conservative Reform Efforts (1902-1909)

The reign of Alfonso XIII, beginning in 1902, was immediately marked by a profound crisis stemming from the 'Disaster of '98'. Conservative governments, led by Silvela-Polavieja and Antonio Maura, attempted various reforms until 1909. However, these attempts to reorganize the political system, without dismantling patronage and electoral corruption, ultimately failed.

While the traditional Turno system parties were losing influence, strong opposition movements emerged:

• The rise of republicanism.
• Catalan nationalist groups achieved significant electoral success in 1907.
• Socialism (PSOE) and its trade union (UGT) consolidated their presence. Pablo Iglesias, in 1910, became the first socialist deputy.
• Anarchist movements continued their activities.

The Tragic Week of 1909

In 1909, political life deteriorated significantly due to a popular uprising in Barcelona, known as the Tragic Week. The revolt was sparked by widespread opposition to the recruitment of soldiers for the war in Morocco. The uprising was brutally crushed by the army, and the disproportionate repression, including the execution of the teacher and freethinker Francisco Ferrer i Guàrdia, led to widespread public outrage and the resignation of Antonio Maura.

Liberal Reformism Under Canalejas (1910-1912)

After 1910, the Liberal party embarked on a period of reform. José Canalejas attempted to strengthen the civil power of the state against the influence of the Catholic Church, promoting public education and limiting religious associations. He also initiated a process of state decentralization, which culminated in the creation of the Commonwealth of Catalonia. The assassination of Canalejas by anarchists in 1912 opened a period of political instability, leading to the return of the Conservatives to power in 1913.

The Crisis of 1917 in Spain

Faced with growing social problems, the Conservative government led by Eduardo Dato ruled in an authoritarian manner, frequently closing the Cortes (parliament) and governing by decree. Unrest erupted in 1917 when the economic situation, exacerbated by Spain's neutrality in World War I, fueled a broad protest movement.

Political opposition, notably the Assembly of Parliamentarians in Catalonia, demanded the government's resignation and the convocation of constituent Cortes. Simultaneously, organized groups of military officers formed 'Juntas de Defensa' (Defense Councils) that clashed with government policy. The CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) and UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores) trade unions called a general strike with the revolutionary goal of overthrowing the government.