Key Events in 19th and 20th Century Spain
Sagasta Praxedes Matthew (1825-1903)
Liberal politician and civil engineer. A Progressive Party member, he was a Member of Parliament and participated in the 1854 and 1868 Revolutions. He served as Minister and chaired the Government multiple times during the Democratic Sexenio. Along with Cánovas, he shaped the Bourbon Restoration. As Liberal Party leader, he alternated as President of the Government until Cánovas’ death.
Constitution of 1845
A conservative document reflecting moderantismo, establishing an oligarchic model. It granted significant power to the King, who controlled the Senate appointed directly by the monarch. It denied national sovereignty and established Catholicism as the state religion.
Constitution of 1869
The most democratic constitution of 19th-century Spanish liberalism, resulting from the 1868 September Revolution. It established a constitutional monarchy with national sovereignty, a bicameral system (Congress and Senate), and an extensive bill of rights. It introduced universal male suffrage and freedom of religion but faced implementation challenges.
Alhucemas Landing
The military occupation of Northern Morocco (Rif) faced resistance from the Rif Kabilas. After the 1921 Disaster of Annual, Primo de Rivera organized a strong army that landed at Alhucemas Bay in 1925. The operation was a military success, defeating the tribes and leading to Abd-el-Krim’s surrender.
Civil Directory
In 1925, a decree replaced the Military Directory with a civilian government. The Council of Ministers retained ultimate powers, including legislative authority. Primo de Rivera became President of the Council, with General Martínez Anido as Vice President and Minister of the Interior, alongside other civilian technical experts.
Treaty of Paris (1898)
Signed in December 1898 between the United States and Spain, ending the war in Cuba. Spain recognized Cuba’s independence and ceded Puerto Rico and the Philippines to the U.S. Spain also granted Guam to the U.S. and received 20 million U.S. dollars for the Philippines.
Military Directory
On September 15, 1923, three royal decrees were issued. The first dissolved the Congress of Deputies and the elective Senate. The second suspended constitutional guarantees, confirming the “state of war.” The third created the Military Board, chaired by Primo de Rivera, to govern the country with legislative powers. The Board comprised military officers, including a general for each military region and a Navy admiral.
Mayorazgo
A legal institution from the Middle Ages in Castile, designed to maintain the nobility’s socio-economic preeminence. Assets were combined and could not be divided or sold, ensuring stability. Liberals abolished it in 1836, recognizing its incompatibility with a free market.
Tragic Week
Events in Barcelona in July 1909, sparked by the shipment of reserve soldiers to Morocco. Popular riots led to violence, including the burning of convents and churches. The government declared a state of war, and the army quelled the uprising. Francisco Ferrer was executed, leading to the downfall of Maura’s government.
Census Suffrage
Early liberal regimes limited voting rights to men with a certain level of wealth, determined by property or industrial activity contributions (census). This system was used in Spain from 1834 until 1890.
Patriotic Union
An official party organized to support Primo de Rivera’s regime, built on a hierarchical structure with him as the national leader. It included a National Directory and Assembly, provincial assemblies, and local cells. It aimed to promote educational activities and raise morality and citizenship levels but was largely ineffective.