Key Events in Spanish History: From Monarchy to Republic
Key Events in Spanish History (Late 19th & 20th Centuries)
From Monarchy to Republic and Back
1873: Abdication and the First Republic
The abdication of Amadeo I led to the establishment of the First Spanish Republic, marked by political and social tensions. A military coup in January 1874 dissolved parliament, paving the way for the Bourbon Restoration.
1898: Spanish-American War and Loss of Colonies
The war in Spain’s remaining American and Asian colonies, fueled by independence movements and U.S. intervention, resulted in Spain’s defeat. Spain recognized the independence of Cuba and the Philippines and ceded Puerto Rico to the United States.
1923: Primo de Rivera’s Coup and Dictatorship
With the monarchy of Alfonso XIII weakened, Miguel Primo de Rivera, Captain General of Catalonia, staged a coup in September 1923. He dissolved parliament and ruled as a dictator for over six years.
1931: Proclamation of the Second Republic
On April 14, 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed following the triumph of Republican-Socialist parties in urban elections. Despite winning in rural areas, King Alfonso XIII abdicated and went into exile in Italy.
1934: Left-Wing and Regionalist Uprisings
Uprisings by left-wing and regionalist forces, sparked by the entry of CEDA ministers into the Republican government, occurred in Asturias and Catalonia. The rebellion in Catalonia was quickly suppressed, while the uprising in Asturias, led by miners, was put down by the army after intense fighting.
1936: Start of the Spanish Civil War
On July 17, 1936, troops stationed in Melilla launched an uprising against the Republican government. General Franco declared a state of war, marking the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and the end of the Second Republic.
1939: End of the Civil War
On April 1, 1939, General Franco declared the end of the Spanish Civil War after Madrid fell in late March. A period of hardship began for those who had supported the Republic.
1975: Death of Franco
On November 20, 1975, General Francisco Franco, head of state and dictator of Spain, died, ending nearly 40 years of authoritarian rule.
Key Figures
Antonio Berdeguer Elvira
A country doctor and social activist in Extremadura, Berdeguer focused on regional and peasant issues. He issued a manifesto advocating for social and economic reforms and later joined the PSOE, becoming a prominent voice during the Second Republic. He was executed in Cáceres in December 1936.
Pablo Iglesias Posse
A typographer from a humble background, Iglesias became involved in socialist and republican circles. He joined the First International and co-founded the PSOE in 1879. In 1910, he was elected to parliament and became a leading figure in the Spanish socialist movement.
Political Terms
Caciquismo
A system of political patronage prevalent during the Restoration, where local bosses (caciques) controlled votes through favors and coercion, leading to widespread corruption and distorted election results.
Pucherazo
A term used to describe electoral fraud and manipulation during the Restoration, encompassing various illegal practices such as vote buying, falsified records, and coercion.
Primo de Rivera’s Manifesto and the Dictatorship
The Manifesto
Primo de Rivera’s 1923 manifesto justified his coup by criticizing the corruption and ineffectiveness of the Restoration politicians. He presented himself as a savior of Spain, promising moral and political regeneration and appealing to traditional military values.
Factors Leading to the Dictatorship
- Disintegration of the Restoration system and political instability.
- Serious social problems, including strikes and violence.
- Rise of Catalan nationalism.
- Fear of a proletarian revolution.
- Military discontent after the Annual Disaster (1921).
Consequences of the Dictatorship
- Support from the Catholic elite, industrialists, and the military.
- Opposition from anarchists, communists, and intellectuals.
- Suppression of Catalan and Basque languages.
- Establishment of the Patriotic Union party.
The Military Directory (1923-1925)
Primo de Rivera, advised by the military, controlled all powers. He attempted to address political and social problems, cracked down on communists and anarchists, and implemented authoritarian measures.
The Civil Directory (1925-1931)
Primo de Rivera sought to stabilize and perpetuate the dictatorship, leveraging the global economic boom. In 1931, Admiral Aznar formed a government to prepare for elections, which resulted in a Republican-Socialist victory and the proclamation of the Second Republic.