Conservative Reformism: A Period of Political Instability
T-9: Conservative Reformism
Introduction
The reign of Alfonso XIII saw a period of political instability. The initial strong start of the reign was followed by a crisis. The dynastic parties initiated reforms to regenerate political life. The conservative governments attempted some reforms, such as the ACIENDA, local government or electoral law. But the attempt to clean up the political system was a failure. While the Turno parties were losing influence, the opposition was strengthened.
Republicanism
Republicanism increased its influence with the creation of the electoral union radical republican party. Catalan nationalist groups reached a spacious electoral victory in 1907, thanks to its grouping in a coalition called Solidaritat Catalana. Socialism (PSOE) and its central union (UGT) consolidated their presence in Madrid, the Basque Country, and Asturias. Pablo Iglesias was the first Socialist deputy in 1920. The anarchists continued to be fractioned. While the radicals defended the actions, other groups founded the National Confederation of Workers (CNT) in 1910.
Tragic Week
The political life of 1909 saw a deterioration. The popular uprising was sparked by the opposition to the recruitment for the war in Morocco. The army crushed the uprising, and the disproportionate repression (the shooting of Ferrer i Guardia) led to the rejection of public opinion and the resignation of Maura. The King tasked the liberals with forming a new government.
Liberal Reformism
Since 1910, the Liberals started a reformist attempt. Jose Canalejas attempted to strengthen the state’s civil power against the influence of the Catholic Church, and some decentralization started. The Commonwealth was formed in Catalonia (1914). The anarchists killed the gutters in 1912. This opened a period of instability that led the Conservatives to power from 1913.
1917 Crisis
The growing social problems of the time led to the government’s authoritarian rule, closing courts. The unrest erupted in 1917 when the economic situation created a large protest movement. The opposition political forces demanded the resignation of the government and the call for constituent courts. Military groups confronted the unions. The CNT and UGT called a general strike, aiming to overthrow the government. This general crisis reflected the political and social life, and the government managed to suppress the strikes. The political situation showed a severe political crisis.
Governments Concentration
Between 1917 and 1923, 13 different governments were formed. The parliamentary parties failed to support the government. The political instability accompanied the social instability. Union unrest grew in membership. The most radical sectors created the PSOE and the Communist Party of Spain (PCE).
Social Conflict
Unions and leftist political groups radicalized their positions and boosted worker mobilizations. In the Andalusian countryside, between 1918 and 1920, day laborers occupied and divided the land. Strikes paralyzed the harvests. In Barcelona, the workers’ struggle had a strong character. The strike of the Canadian electricity company paralyzed the industry and services for 40 days. The government and employers hardened their attitude, and a serious social crisis emerged. Employers favored the creation of more docile trade unions and counterrevolutionary armed groups. Labor leaders were assassinated, and strikes were violently suppressed.