1917-1930: Crisis, Dictatorship, and Transformation in Spain
A Year of Crises in Spain
Military Crisis
The war in Morocco divided the army. Officers who served in Africa clashed with those focused on the Iberian Peninsula. A merit-based promotion system benefited those with war experience, causing unrest among those who hadn’t served in Africa. These officers, advocating for a seniority-based system, formed an association demanding raises and promotions. Prominent Africanist generals like Franco, Mola, and Goded believed the army should have a greater role in political life, emphasizing honor, courage, and loyalty.
Political Crisis
Amidst the tension and crises within dynastic parties, the League of Nations called for a parliamentary assembly, inviting all members of the Spanish Parliament. The goal was to form a new government and prepare for elections that would lead to a new constitution. This constitution aimed to restructure Spain into a multinational state with autonomy statutes, particularly for Catalonia. The government responded by suspending constitutional guarantees and sending the Civil Guard to disband the Barcelona assembly.
Labor Crisis
Between 1916 and 1917, intense labor unrest arose due to the unbearable cost of living. The UGT, CNT, and Workers’ Solidarity called for a general strike to halt rising prices. The strike largely failed due to disagreements between unions. Conflicts between employers and workers intensified as the loss of colonies led to worker dismissals and the replacement of manual labor with machinery. In 1919, the Canadian and Traction Light and Power company (which supplied electricity to Barcelona) fired eight workers, sparking a strike. The strike lasted six weeks, leaving the city without electricity, public transport, and in darkness. The CNT showed solidarity by halting all industries dependent on electricity. After a mass assembly, employers and the strike committee, led by Salvador Seguí, reached an agreement: reinstate the fired workers, release those arrested, increase wages, accept an 8-hour workday, and integrate accident pay. However, the employers broke these promises, leading to further strikes and company closures.
The Primo de Rivera Dictatorship (1923-1930)
Military Directory (1923-1925)
Primo de Rivera was appointed prime minister by decree, establishing a military-led government. He removed the constitution, dissolved parliament, established press censorship, banned political parties and unions, and dismissed elected officials. He created the Patriotic Union, a single party meant to support the dictatorship. With French assistance, the dictatorship resolved the Moroccan conflict. The successful Alhucemas landing led to the surrender and capture of Abd el-Krim, allowing for the occupation of the Moroccan protectorate in 1927. In 1925, the military directory was replaced by a civilian one.
Civilian Directory (1925-1930)
Composed mainly of young, far-right politicians like José Calvo Sotelo, the civilian directory focused on economic and social issues. Its economic policy was based on interventionism, encouraging public works like roads, railways, hydroelectric projects, and irrigation. Over 5,000 schools were built, and public funds were given to private companies to compete internationally. Monopolies were granted for entities like CAMPSA (oil), Telefónica, and Tabacalera. The dictatorship coincided with economic growth due to favorable international conditions. However, the heavy investment in public works created a large deficit and national debt.