Anarchism, Socialism, and Social Reform in Spain
Anarchism and Social Unrest
Restoration Anarchism: A Shift Towards Apolitical Action: In 1881, the Spanish section of the International (FRE), following the Bakunin trend, changed its name to the Federation of the Spanish Region (FTRE). The new federation experienced membership growth and developed a vindictive approach to industrial action.
Disagreements within the organization, coupled with ongoing repression of the labor movement, led a segment of anarchists to embrace direct action. They organized revolutionary groups aimed at undermining the pillars of capitalism: the state, the bourgeoisie, and the Church. The period between 1893 and 1897 saw significant acts of social violence, including attacks against political figures (Cánovas and Martínez Campos) and bombings at the Liceo de Barcelona.
These bombings were met with severe repression, creating a spiral of violence fueled by a dynamic of action/repression/action. The Montjuïc trials in Barcelona in 1897 marked a turning point. The increase in attacks deepened the divide between those who supported anarchist direct action and those who advocated for mass action. Older anarchists and labor groups opposed terrorism.
Social revolution was seen as a long-term objective, and the need to establish trade union organizations was emphasized. This new direction led to the creation of Solidaridad Obrera (1907) and the CNT (1910).
The Rise of Socialism
Socialism and the Workers’ Movement: The New Madrid Federation of the AIT was short-lived. In 1876, after the decline of the International, its members decided to form a political party, founding the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) in 1879.
This new party defined itself as Marxist, worker-oriented, and in favor of social revolution. It presented a reform program that included rights such as freedom of association and assembly, universal suffrage, reduced working hours, and the prohibition of child labor. The party grew slowly, particularly in Madrid, Malaga, and Asturias, but faced challenges in Catalonia due to the dominance of anarcho-syndicalism. In 1889, the year of the founding of the Second Socialist International, the PSOE joined the organization and introduced Labour Day (May 1st) in Spain.
In 1888, the party held its first congress and founded the General Union of Workers (UGT), which allowed its members freedom in political activities. The overlap of leaders with the Socialist Party led to the introduction of Marxism within the union. The UGT was organized locally and adopted a cautious approach, resorting to strikes only as a last resort.
Social Reform Initiatives
Reformism and Social Issues: Addressing Harsh Conditions: Harsh living and working conditions, along with increasing union pressure, prompted some sectors of liberalism to consider the benefits of rationalizing labor relations. Governments began to explore the possibility of state intervention through compensatory economic rules and labor regulations.
In 1878, the first laws were passed regulating hazardous work for children, building homes for the disabled, and constructing worker housing. In 1883, the Social Reform Commission was created to report on working conditions and promote social reform.