Understanding Anarchism, Socialism, and Labor Movements in Spain

Anarchism: Principles and Objectives

Anarchism: A term derived from the Greek an-archos, meaning "without authority." Unlike Marxism, anarchism is not a systematic global theory but a political theory with several variants, depending on the author defending it. However, common ideas unite all anarchist currents. Consequently, their struggle focuses on any manifestation of power. The friction between Marxists and anarchists stems from two fundamental differences: first, anarchists seek to abolish the state, not conquer it for the workers; and second, anarchists reject the formation of workers' parties and their participation in bourgeois politics.

Labor Movement Development: Early 20th Century

The working class was not easily adaptable to the Alfonsine period. There was a disconnect between their numbers in society and their low representation in the Restoration Cortes.

Socialism: PSOE and UGT

Socialism: The PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) and the UGT (General Union of Workers): The PSOE initially maintained a position of isolation. It aimed to achieve its policies in conjunction with the Republicans. Pablo Iglesias secured the first parliamentary seat in 1910. During the crisis of 1917, the PSOE, with the UGT, supported the Parliamentary Assembly and Councils of Defense, calling for a general strike as a tool for political change. It did not adhere to the Third International. In 1921, a group of 30 lawmakers separated from the party and founded the Spanish Communist Party. In March 1922, both groups formed the Communist Party of Spain. During the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, socialism grew. At the end of Alfonso XIII's reign, the PSOE was involved in the broad social movement preceding the monarchy's fall. The UGT achieved tremendous growth during this time.

The coup of Primo de Rivera increased the influence of the socialist movement, also in agricultural areas. Joint committees were used by socialist groups, and their leaders became part of the Union of Corporations under the dictatorship.

Anarcho-Syndicalism: The CNT

Anarcho-Syndicalism: The CNT (National Confederation of Labor): In the early years of the century, the anarchist movement overcame the crisis caused by the end of the 19th century. It was rebuilt in Madrid as the Federación de Trabajadores de la Región Española (Federation of Workers of the Spanish Region). In its manifesto, anarchists claimed the classical postulates of "liberation from the yoke of any kind" for the working class. In 1910, anarchism became the CNT, asserting its anarcho-syndicalist ideas and appealing for working-class solidarity. The CNT reached its zenith at the Third Congress. After the coup, the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera was merciless with the anarchist movement. In 1927, the Iberian Anarchist Federation emerged. During the Civil War, two of its members participated in the government of Largo Caballero.

Christian Unions

Christian Unions: The intensification of social conflict and the rise and development of leftist unions explain the limited success of Christian syndicalism. Only in Spain, where half-ownership predominated, did balanced Alfonsine growth occur during the monarchy, bringing together employers and workers in joint juries. They experienced significant development in Navarra, Castilla, León, and the Basque Country.