Spanish Political Reforms and the Moroccan Conflict
Political Reforms and Social Stability in Spain
The government adopted economic measures to revitalize the industry and promulgated the Law on Land Settlement to stimulate agriculture. It also adopted several laws and created the National Welfare Institute, dedicated to social security for workers. However, the defense of social equilibrium led to an intransigent attitude toward maintaining public order. This was especially evident in the events following the revolt, which ultimately caused the collapse of the conservative government.
The Liberal Government of José Canalejas
In 1910, José Canalejas formed a new Liberal government. His modernization program proposed new policies and attempted to attract popular sectors through extensive social reform and by limiting the power of the Church. He undertook significant legislative work, tackled the financial reform process, and deepened the separation of Church and State.
Religious and Financial Reforms
The refusal of the Holy See to accept any reform process led to the enactment of the Padlock Law, which limited the establishment of new religious orders. Additionally, Canalejas replaced the consumption tax with a progressive income tax.
Military and Labor Improvements
He reformed the Conscription Act, making military service compulsory in times of war and suppressing the redemption in cash (which previously allowed the wealthy to avoid service). Finally, a series of laws were enacted to improve working conditions.
Regional Autonomy and the Commonwealth
Canalejas was sensitive to the issue of regional autonomy, believing that integrating it into the system would help stabilize the nation. He elaborated the Associations Law, which accepted the possibility of uniting provincial councils to manage public services. However, these reforms were interrupted by the death of Canalejas, who was assassinated by an anarchist in Madrid in 1912. The Commonwealths Act was eventually approved under the conservative government of Eduardo Dato in 1914, leading to the creation of the Commonwealth of Catalonia.
The Tragic Week and the Moroccan Conflict
Moroccan Colonial Conflict
After 1900, Spain consolidated its presence in Northern Africa. The Conference of Algeciras (1906), attended by several European countries, and the Hispano-French Treaty (1912) established a Spanish protectorate in an area of Morocco. The interest in this region stemmed from potential economic benefits, the desire to restore the prestige of the army, and the goal of returning Spain to the status of a colonial power.
The Rif War and Popular Protests
The Spanish presence in this area was contested by continuous attacks from the Rif tribes. In 1909, the Rif forces inflicted a major defeat on Spanish troops at the Barranco del Lobo (Gorge of the Wolf). It was then decided to increase the number of soldiers in the Rif. The mobilization of regiments from Barcelona sparked a major popular protest movement, which became known as the Tragic Week.