Spain's Tumultuous Early 20th Century: Political Crises and Social Unrest (1909-1923)

The period was marked by imperialist wars and a political system that disproportionately affected the poor. In Barcelona, unions declared a general strike, leading to a genuine urban revolution. Due to the authorities' deregulation, anarchists effectively controlled the city from June 26-31.

During this time, 160 churches and convents were burned. Following the re-establishment of order, severe repression against anarchism ensued. Ferrer y Guardia was accused as a promoter and subsequently shot in Montjuïc. This event ignited the 'Maura, no' campaign, which ultimately led to his dismissal and tarnished Spain's image as a modern, democratic nation. In the aftermath of the Semana Trágica (Tragic Week), the CNT (anarcho-syndicalist) was founded in 1910, and the UGT significantly increased its affiliates.

The Decline of Turnismo (1913-1917)

The 'Maura, no' campaign effectively challenged the turnismo system. Until 1917, Spain experienced a succession of conservative and liberal governments, frequently plagued by crises. After 1917, the dynastic parties fragmented into smaller groups, and governments were replaced by administrations of national concentration. Cánovas's political model was now clearly unworkable, while opposition political forces demanded reforms to democratize the system.

Bankruptcy of the Political System (1914-1923)

World War I and its Impact (1914)

The outbreak of World War I in 1914 divided Spaniards into pro-Allies (generally the left) and Germanophiles (generally the right). The government opted for neutrality, which initially fostered strong economic expansion and the creation of large fortunes. However, external demand led to severe shortages and price increases. The banking industry and large businesses were the primary beneficiaries, while the lower classes suffered immensely. This speculative growth barely altered the underlying production system and ultimately triggered a profound socioeconomic crisis.

The Triple Crisis of 1917

This period witnessed a military, social, and political crisis in which forces opposed to the established system directly confronted it. It brought to a head all the conflicts that had been simmering since 1898.

Military Discontent and the Juntas de Defensa

The defeat of 1898 profoundly affected the Spanish army. By 1905, there was clear evidence of military interference in politics when a group of officers attacked the Catalan newspaper Cu-Cut!, which had published lampooning cartoons. Adding to this interference was the military's growing desire for greater autonomy, which became dangerously pronounced.

The Juntas de Defensa (Defense Juntas) were the first significant manifestation of the 1917 crisis. Their establishment responded to the army's distress, an army deeply divided between 'mainland' and 'African' factions. Conceived as a type of military union to defend their interests, their core demands centered on career advancement and promotions. These demands were compounded by other political grievances, low army budgets, the ongoing war in Morocco, the shortcomings of the political system, and the King's perceived intervention in military affairs. The Juntas were initially welcomed by non-dynastic parties.

However, the government declared them illegal in May. The army's reaction was so strong that it forced the government to resign and subsequently re-legalize the Juntas. The government capitulated, granting some labor claims and effectively silencing political dissent from the military.