Spain's Military and Civil Directory Era

The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)

Causes of the Military Coup

Primo de Rivera defended the coup as a solution to end the political crisis and social unrest facing the country. The primary reasons for the coup included:

• The instability and blocking of the parliamentary political system.
• The economic elite's fear of a social revolution.
• The increasing influence of republicanism and nationalism.
• The discontent of the army following the disaster of Annual.

Reorganization of the State

The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera transitioned through two distinct phases. Until 1925, the Military Board ruled; however, later dictatorial government figures included civilians, forming the Civil Directory.

The first military actions of the Board included:

• The suspension of constitutional rule and dissolution of legislatures.
• The prohibition of political parties and unions.
• The militarization of law enforcement.
• The elimination of caciquismo (chieftaincy).
• The development of municipal and provincial statutes.
• The dissolution of municipalities.

Economic and Social Policy

The regime launched a program to promote the Spanish economy, centered on the nationalization of important sectors and increased state intervention. The government adopted the Decree on the Protection of National Industry. Large monopolies were granted, such as the exclusivity in the sale of oil to the leasing company Campsa. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector remained in the hands of large landowners without any significant reforms.

In the social field, the dictatorship launched a working model of regulation which sought to end labor disputes through joint committees, formed by both employers and workers.

Opposition to the Dictatorship

Opposition to the dictatorship was composed of the old parties in power, who criticized the excessive length of the regime. Furthermore, several military leaders participated in conspiracies. The most persistent political conflict occurred with republicanism and nationalism. The Republican opposition remained permanent, eventually organizing the Republican Alliance.

The Fall of the Dictator

Opposition to the dictator intensified when the King became convinced that the dictatorship posed a danger to the permanence of the monarchy. Consequently, Primo de Rivera resigned in January 1930.