Spain Under Primo de Rivera: Military Rule 1923-1930

The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera: Spain's Authoritarian Turn

Military intervention in Spanish politics was a recurring theme throughout the 19th century. However, following the pronouncement of Martínez Campos, direct military intervention had been absent, though the military always maintained significant social and political influence.

Causes of the Dictatorship

The dictatorship emerged from a complex international and domestic context. Five years after the First World War, widespread political instability and a lack of public confidence in existing parties led to the consideration of alternative European totalitarian models, both right and left-wing.

Miguel Primo de Rivera: The Dictator

Miguel Primo de Rivera was a military man deeply rooted in hierarchy and discipline. He belonged to a generation influenced by figures like Joaquín Costa, a prominent intellectual and politician.

Primo de Rivera was also deeply Catholic, both socially and formally. When he imposed his dictatorship, he consistently claimed it was a temporary measure intended to reorganize the country's political infrastructure. However, this promise was not fulfilled.

The September 1923 Pronouncement

The September 1923 pronouncement marked the beginning of the dictatorship. King Alfonso XIII agreed to the pronouncement, effectively allowing Primo de Rivera to impose his form of government.

Primo de Rivera issued a manifesto that, while not offering detailed specific solutions, presented a substantial program against turnismo (the system of political rotation) and caciquismo (local bossism), which were seen as corrupting forces in Spanish politics.

Establishment of an Authoritarian Regime

With the king's endorsement, Miguel Primo de Rivera established an authoritarian regime. This involved the suppression of the parliamentary system, the overriding of the 1876 Constitution, and the dissolution of the Cortes (parliament).

Political and Social Support

• The Army
• The Church
• Conservative factions
• Certain industrial and financial elites

Opposition to the Regime

• Communist Party of Spain (PCE), founded in 1921
• CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo - National Confederation of Labor)
• Intellectuals
• Republicans

In general, a vast portion of the population remained largely expectant regarding the new regime.

Phases of the Dictatorship

1. The Military Directory (1923-1925)

This initial phase saw the imposition of a strong public policy, characterized by repressive measures, particularly against anarchists. A new order for public administration was established.

Primo de Rivera's aim was to end the perceived failures of turnismo and caciquismo. He reinforced centralism and, by dissolving all existing political parties, created a new one called the "Patriotic Union." During this phase, a solution was also sought for the ongoing war in Morocco.