Key Events in 20th Century Spain: A Concise History

Posted on Feb 26, 2025 in History

Key Events in 20th Century Spain

• Tragic Week (July 1909)

  The War of Morocco led the government to send reservists, who had to embark in Barcelona. This triggered a strike that escalated into an insurrection, resulting in numerous deaths, international condemnation, and the fall of the Maura government.

• Military Juntas de Defensa

  These associations demanded changes in the promotion system, contrasting it with the rapid advancement of officers in Morocco.

• Battle of Annual (1921)

  This battle resulted in a significant defeat for the Spanish Army in Morocco, with over 9,000 soldiers killed.

• Economic Policy of Primo de Rivera

  Primo de Rivera established large monopolistic state enterprises, such as CAMPSA and the National Telephone Company of Spain. Public works projects were undertaken to expand irrigation, hydroelectric power, and roads to boost tourism, leading to some economic development.

• Pact of San Sebastian (1930)

  This agreement, signed by political groups supporting a republic, committed them to establishing a republic in Spain.

• Proclamation of the Second Republic (1931)

  Following municipal elections where the Republican-Socialist coalition triumphed in major cities, King Alfonso XIII left the country, and the Second Republic was proclaimed on April 14.

• Military Reform

  A loyalty oath to the Republic was established for military officers, with the option of retirement for those who refused. This aimed to reduce the surplus of military commanders.

• Revolution of Asturias (1934)

  This crisis, led by an alliance of socialists, anarchists, and communists (many of whom were miners), was violently suppressed by the government using the Moroccan army under General Franco.

• Popular Front (1936)

  A political coalition uniting Left Republicans, Communists, and Socialists, which won the elections in February 1936.

• Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom

  A series of laws enacted by Franco to regulate the state.

• Totalitarian Stage (1939-1959)

  Franco was the head of state, the Falange comprised government, military, and Catholic figures appointed by Franco, and the Cortes served as a consultative body ratifying Franco’s decisions.

• International Isolation

  Spain’s isolation was intensified when the victors of World War II excluded Spain from international organizations (UN) and economic aid (Marshall Plan) provided by the U.S.

• Technocrat

  A technical or specialized individual who holds public office to find effective solutions, prioritizing them over ideological or political considerations.

• Polos de Desarrollo (Development Hubs)

  Industrial centers located in specific cities, benefiting from grants, loans, and tax incentives.

• Bilateral Agreements with the U.S.

  The Cold War facilitated Spain’s alliance with the U.S., leading to military and economic aid agreements.

• Blue Division

  A volunteer military unit sent to fight alongside the Germans during World War II.

• Maquis

  Guerrilla resistance against Franco during the Spanish postwar period.

• Contubernio Munich (Munich Meeting) (1962)

  Opposition groups met in Munich to demand the implementation of a democratic regime in Spain.

• Transition

  The political process from Franco’s death (1975) to the 1982 general election (PSOE victory), aimed at restoring democracy in Spain.