Early 20th Century Politics and Social Change in Spain
The Dynastic Reform: Canalejas and Maura
Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne in 1902 at the age of 16. The death of Antonio Maura Sagasti in 1903 consolidated José Canalejas’s leadership of the Liberal Party. This new generation of politicians, influenced by regenerationism, aimed to reform the system from within.
In 1904, Maura became head of government and promoted a political slogan known as the “revolution from above.” This concept advocated for reforming the political system through government action. During his second term, Maura enacted a new electoral law, but further progress stalled. His government did, however, pass social laws and establish the National Institute for Forecasting. Additionally, a law encouraging agricultural settlement was enacted.
Canalejas formed a new liberal government in 1910. He deepened the separation of church and state and replaced income tax with a progressive consumption tax, sparking protests from the upper classes. Canalejas reformed the law of recruitment and began negotiating an Act of Commonwealths, which would have allowed for the provincial union to manage certain public services. Tragically, Canalejas was assassinated in 1912.
The Opposing Forces: Republicanism and Lerrouxism
Republicanism stood as the primary opposition force. However, its fragmentation into various groups weakened its electoral power. Alejandro Lerroux led the Republican Union, which held anti-clerical and anti-Catalan sentiments. In a bid to expand its influence, the party participated in the 1907 Catalan elections as part of the Catalan Solidarity coalition. Lerroux disapproved of this move and subsequently founded the Radical Party in 1908. Following the Tragic Week, the party’s popular support dwindled, prompting Lerroux to relocate to Madrid.
Forces of Labor: Socialism and Anarchism
During the first third of the 20th century, both anarchist and socialist movements experienced a surge in membership and activism, advocating for improved working conditions.
The Socialist Party and the Union
The Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) witnessed significant growth, with membership rising from 3,000 in 1899 to 15,000 in 1916, and reaching 30,000 by 1920. The party advocated for political action and sought to capitalize on opportunities presented by the parliamentary system.
The socialist trade union (UGT) grew even more rapidly, from 120,000 members in 1914 to 240,000 in 1921. The UGT championed direct action to achieve social and labor reforms and advocated for worker representation in state agencies. Francisco Largo Caballero emerged as a prominent figure within the UGT.
Anarcho-syndicalism
In 1907, the anarcho-syndicalist movement spearheaded the creation of Solidaridad Obrera. This new organization played a key role in founding the National Confederation of Labor (CNT) in 1910. The CNT, with its revolutionary and anarcho-syndicalist ideology, pursued four fundamental objectives:
- Independence of the proletariat from the bourgeoisie and its institutions.
- Apoliticism within the labor movement and subsequent electoral abstention.
- Unity among workers’ unions.
- The overthrow of capitalism through the expropriation of the bourgeoisie.
The CNT held its congress in Barcelona’s Sants district in 1918. This congress saw the establishment of industrial unions to replace the existing trade unions, reaffirming the principles of apoliticism and direct negotiation between workers and employers.
Catalan Solidarity Coalition
Solidarity Movement
Widespread rejection of the Law of Jurisdictions fueled a patriotic movement that sought to reaffirm Catalan identity and fight for Catalonia’s rights. This movement led to the formation of Catalan Solidarity in 1906. In the 1907 elections, the parties within Catalan Solidarity presented a united front with a shared program known as the “Program of Tivoli.” This program called for the repeal of the Law of Jurisdictions and advocated for self-governance for Catalonia.
The Crisis of Solidarity
Internal disagreements among the different parties within Catalan Solidarity ultimately led to its downfall. The first contributing factor was the conservative-driven reform of local government. A second point of contention arose in 1908 when the League opposed a proposal by the Barcelona City Council to introduce bilingual education in municipal schools, promoting the co-official status of Catalan, coeducation, and religious neutrality. The events of the Tragic Week marked the final blow to Catalan Solidarity.
The Impact of the Great War
The First World War erupted in 1914 during Eduardo Dato’s conservative government. Spain’s neutrality allowed it to export agricultural and industrial products to both sides of the conflict. However, this surge in exports led to domestic price inflation, accompanied by a corresponding increase in wages. The rising cost of living, driven by soaring prices, disproportionately impacted the working class.
The Crisis of 1917
A confluence of factors, including the political strains on the Restoration system, military discontent, and social unrest, culminated in widespread protests in 1917.
Military Protest
The Spanish army suffered from a bloated officer corps relative to the number of enlisted soldiers. Deep discontent among lower and middle-ranking officers led to the formation of Juntas of Defense. These Juntas, joined by enlisted personnel, represented the majority of the armed forces. The Juntas demanded salary increases based on merit, opposed promotions based solely on seniority, and criticized the government for the army’s poor state and the country’s overall malaise. In June 1917, they issued a manifesto denouncing the government.
Political Crisis
: In 1916 the government was in the hands of a Cabinet dominated by liberal Romanones q decided to close the courts. In April 1917 Fact demanded the reopening of the chamber. The government refused and declared a state of emergency and tighten press censorship. On the initiative of the Regionalist League, was held to Barcelona a Catalan Parliamentary Assembly. Since the assembly was convened a meeting of all deputies and senators were Spaniards but only 71 of 760 cited. Revolucioinària The general strike: CNT and UGT agreed a clear set x x urged the government to intervene to stop the bid of prices. The UGT called the general strike. The strike had an impact far deisgual. There were major incidents which came to paralyze daily life in some Spanish cities. The central government declared martial law and ordered the army to quell the movement.