Spain's Transformation: Society, Conflict, and Modernization

Social and Political Dynamics in Restoration Spain

The Workers' Movement

The workers’ movement gained strength after the Constitution of 1876 recognized the freedom of association. Anarchism gained support among Catalan factory workers and Andalusian peasants. The socialists founded the trade union UGT in 1888, which was strongest in Madrid, Asturias, and the Basque Country.

Regionalism and Nationalism

Regionalism and nationalism originated as a reaction against the centralist policies of the Restoration.

• Catalan Nationalists: Sought autonomy for Catalonia and demanded Catalan be decreed the official language of Catalonia (Bases of Manresa, 1892).
• Basque Nationalists: Defended their fueros (traditional rights) and traditions.
• Galician Nationalists: Demanded solutions for their social and economic problems.

The 1898 "Disaster" and its Aftermath

Prelude to Conflict: Cuba and the USA

Before 1898, Cuba demanded a degree of autonomy from the central government. This led to insurrections, which General Valeriano Weyler crushed with great cruelty. The USA began to support the Cuban rebels indirectly. The American battleship, USS Maine, exploded mysteriously in Havana harbor. The Americans blamed Spain for the explosion and declared war on Spain directly.

The Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was fought in two main theaters:

• In the Pacific (the Philippines)
• In the Atlantic (Cuba and Puerto Rico)

The Spanish navy and army were rapidly defeated, forcing Spain to surrender.

Consequences: Treaty of Paris and Regeneracionismo

The Treaty of Paris (1898) resulted in Spain ceding possession of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Spain lost its overseas colonial empire at the same time as other European countries were expanding theirs. This provoked a severe moral and ideological crisis in Spain and gave way to "regeneracionismo," an intellectual movement that sought to end political corruption in the country.

The Reign of Alfonso XIII (1902-1931)

Population, Economy, and Society

During this period, the population grew from 18 million to 24 million people, primarily due to a considerable fall in the mortality rate. However, migration to Latin America also increased significantly. Meanwhile, the rural exodus led to the growth of important cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.