Primo de Rivera Dictatorship in Spain
Spain’s Primo de Rivera Dictatorship Begins
Following the military coup, the king commissioned the formation of a new government, marking the start of the Spanish military dictatorship of the 20th century. The coup was accepted by the ruling class of the constitutional system, the traditionalists, and the Catalan bourgeoisie. Republicans, Socialists, and unions responded with strikes and demonstrations that were harshly repressed and persecuted.
However, the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera was not fascist, but was a system heavily influenced by the personality of the self-proclaimed general dictator. He aimed to regenerate the political class, presenting himself as the savior of the homeland, establishing a Military Directory which had no ministers or president of the council. He disbanded the courts and suspended the constitution.
The Military Directory’s Focus
The Directory focused on maintaining social order, resolving the Moroccan question, and implementing administrative reforms. To maintain social order, it resorted to the abolition of personal freedoms and the repression of radical sections of the working class. It also attacked regional nationalisms, especially Catalan. The resolution of the Moroccan question was achieved through the joint action of France and Spain, leading to the surrender of Abd-el-Krim and the occupation of the entire Rif region.
Formation of the Patriotic Union
Since 1924, the dictator sought to create an association open to all Spaniards (the Patriotic Union), intended to replace political parties. The Union became a single party, similar to Mussolini’s Italian Fascist Party. It was joined by:
- Right-wing sectors
- Mauristas
- Catholics
- Military leaders
- Members of the oligarchy
- Entrepreneurs seeking government contracts
Attempts at Institutionalization
Military successes and growing popularity led the dictator to attempt institutionalization through several changes: replacing the Military Directory with a Civilian Directory and implementing an interventionist social and economic policy. This policy, supported by a period of economic growth, appeared successful and helped the dictatorship last until 1930.
Economic Policies and Impact
His policies also promoted public works, encouraged the creation of large monopolies, and supported entrepreneurs through successful protectionist tariffs. However, these policies hurt the long-term finances of the state.
Growing Opposition and the Fall
Main criticisms of the dictatorship came from:
- Intellectuals
- Anarchists
- Socialists
- Catalan nationalists
- Republicans
- University students
- Disgruntled army officers who had lost confidence in him
After 1928, criticism of the dictatorship intensified following the economic crisis. King Alfonso XIII, concerned about the relationship between the dictatorship and the monarchy, both within Spain and abroad, decided to withdraw his confidence in Primo de Rivera. On January 28, 1930, the dictator resigned.
Berenguer’s “Soft Dictatorship”
General Dámaso Berenguer was tasked with forming an interim government, known as the “soft dictatorship.” He intended to return to the previous system, restore the Constitution of 1876, and convene elections. Freedoms of expression and political organization were restored. The opposition met in San Sebastián and formed an insurrection pact aimed at ending the monarchy.