Spanish History 1902-1939: Monarchy, Republic, and War

Alfonso XIII and the Canovist System (1902-1923)

During the beginning of the twentieth century in Spain, the Restoration Canovist system that had existed since 1876 survived. However, the lack of selflessness and the inefficiency of the King, combined with the increasing problems in the country—such as the revival of regionalism, the increase of labor and social unrest, the war in Morocco, and the army's interest in political leadership—led a general to seize power through a coup in 1923.

Dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera (1923-1931)

Primo de Rivera managed to solve some of the country's problems, but only momentarily and with a heavy hand. However, the impact of the economic crisis, the loss of popular support, the declining prestige of King Alfonso XIII, and the strengthening of the democratic opposition led to the fall of Primo de Rivera and the proclamation of the Second Republic in major cities and towns across the country.

Causes of Decolonization

The process of decolonization was driven by several factors:

• Weakness of European powers after the Second World War.
• Development of nationalist movements.
• Attitude favorable to decolonization by the superpowers and the UN.

The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)

The Second Spanish Republic was the most serious democratic attempt to solve the major problems dragging the country down. The reason for its failure lay in the serious external and internal difficulties it had to face. This should not obscure the great achievements of the Republic in such a short time. However, the radicalization of political positions, especially among right-wing sectors who supported the nascent Spanish fascism, led to the coup by Franco, whose failure started the Civil War.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Although violent excesses occurred on both sides, the moral difference between those who supported the Republic and those who supported Franco could not be greater. Spain was divided into a Republican area and an insurgent area supporting Franco. Following the decisive Battle of the Ebro (1938), Franco's victory was inevitable (April 1, 1939). The immediate consequence was the establishment of a cruel and repressive dictatorship. The external supports for the Civil War were evident on the Francoist front.

Origins of Global Conflict and Totalitarianism

• Territorial expansion of totalitarian fascist states.
• Formation of the Berlin-Rome-Tokyo Axis.
• Germany's invasion of Poland.