Primo de Rivera’s Coup: A 1924 Spanish Revolution
Primo de Rivera’s Coup
Spain, 1924
Political Context
This analysis draws from Diaz Plaja’s The History of Spain in their papers (Institute for Policy Studies, Madrid, 1964, p. 166), addressing the nation and the military. On September 13th, Primo de Rivera, Captain-General of Barcelona, initiated a coup. Several factors fueled this action: the failing Restoration political system, widespread social disorder, and the desire to suppress regionalism and anticlericalism. The coup found support from the PSOE and the UGT, while facing opposition from anarchists, the PCE, and autonomy advocates.
The Coup’s Justification
The coup aimed to revitalize the political system and restore meaningful democratization. Primo de Rivera’s justification unfolds in three parts. First, he attacks the Restoration system, arguing that the coup, though extralegal, was necessary. He claims he didn’t intend to violate the constitution but was forced to act, placing blame on democratically elected politicians for the “Table of misfortunes that began in ’98.” This refers to the loss of Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, followed by rising independence movements, terrorism, civil unrest, and political confrontations. He stresses the need for economic, ideological, and political renewal in Spain, arguing that the “dense network of political desires” had entangled the King, a clear allusion to the corrupt political system built on backroom deals between conservatives and liberals. This system, fueled by electoral fraud orchestrated by the Ministry of Interior, ensured that “government which they say leave no rule.” These political leaders, often at odds with each other, maintained power through deals and manipulation, ignoring the Spanish people’s demands for constitutional change and comprehensive agrarian reform.
Primo de Rivera’s Proposed Actions and Objectives
Secondly, Primo de Rivera outlines his intended actions. He demands accountability for the Annual Disaster (the military defeat in Morocco). He criticizes civilian governance and champions military values: order, efficiency, discipline, authority, and patriotism. He denounces military uprisings for pay raises and promotion changes, presenting his coup as a “strong and manly” protest, undertaken “with Spain and the King.” Finally, he details his objectives. He aligns himself with the “healthy people,” untainted by political corruption. He vows to prevent evils like murder, robbery, corruption, and political intrigue, linking them to the “Morocco tragedy.” This refers to the Annual Disaster, where Spanish forces suffered significant losses against Moroccan attacks. He condemns “social discipline” that hinders economic growth, pledges to suppress “communist propaganda,” and opposes anticlericalism and “ignorance.” He aims to regenerate Spain, echoing the intellectual movement that emerged after the 1898 disaster. He also emphasizes maintaining unity in Catalonia, Valencia, Basque Country, and Galicia.
Outcomes
Primo de Rivera achieved many of his goals. He established a provisional Military Directorate, declared a state of war, replaced civilian officials with military personnel, created the Patriotic Union (UP), formed a Consultative National Assembly, and drafted the 1929 constitution.