Spain's Political Landscape: Canalejas, Morocco, and Reform (1910-1913)

The Government of Gutters: Political Turmoil in Spain (1910-1913)

In 1910, after a few months in office, the Canalejas government took over from Moret and attempted another "regeneration from above." They confronted the problems that Maura had left behind, but managed to impose discipline within their party and earn the respect of the opposition and the King. Despite being considered anticlerical, Canalejas softened his position, aiming for a separation between the Church and the State during the Restoration.

The Church had regained its influence and undergone a major expansion. Canalejas proposed curbing the creation of new congregations. In 1910, the government adopted the Act prohibiting the installation of new religious orders within two years to regulate the issue.

Social and Fiscal Reforms

Socially, Canalejas implemented reforms in taxation and military conscription. The consumption tax system was replaced by one based on revenues from urban properties. The reform of the military conscription system aimed to address inequalities. Funds needed by the army were obtained through a fee paid by those who avoided mandatory military service.

Mandatory military service was established in wartime, and a time scale was set to reduce military service for a fee during peacetime.

The Moroccan Crisis

Militarily, the situation was aggravated by the war that broke out in Morocco in 1911. The Agadir Crisis arose from German claims in Africa. France initiated an effective occupation of the area, and in 1912, Spain and France reached an agreement on the protectorate of Morocco, dividing the Northwest region.

The Law on Associations and Political Instability

In the local political arena, the work begun by Maura continued. In 1912, Congress adopted the Law on Associations, which took several months to be approved by the Senate. Canalejas was assassinated in November 1912 before seeing its full implementation.

The King instructed Romanones to form a government. This caused tensions between the King and Maura, who believed he should take over the Conservative Party government. During this brief period, Romanones managed to approve the Law on Associations. However, given the divisions within his party, he was forced to resign. In 1913, the King instructed Dato to form a government.