Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship: Causes, Impact, and Fall
Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
This period began when Alfonso XIII ascended to the throne. As a first step, the regent Maria Cristina empowered a conservative, Silvela, who initiated a renovation.
Problems During Alfonso XIII’s Reign
Among the key issues of Alfonso XIII’s reign were the Moroccan War, also known as the Annual disaster. Spain’s interest was driven by economic benefits, restoring the Army’s prestige, and establishing itself as a colonial power in the Rif region. There were several attacks, and the Spanish suffered defeats in Lobo Ravine. Furthermore, Spain was defeated at Annual, losing all occupied territory, and the military shifted towards more conservative sectors. This led to the second major problem, the Tragic Week. A general strike sparked a popular revolt, which was met with harsh repression under the slogan ‘MAURA NO!’ The government fell, and liberals took over. Spain’s neutrality in World War I and the exorbitant rise in prices are also noteworthy. Dynastic parties fragmented, making it harder to form governing majorities, and governments led by Maura failed. The Turno system and electoral fraud returned, but no party could secure a majority to govern.
Primo de Rivera’s Coup and Dictatorship
Primo de Rivera presented a speech titled ‘Manifesto of the Coup,’ attempting to justify the coup and gain popular support. He aimed to eliminate corruption and address the problems that began in 1898. The Military Board included military personnel, but civilians like Calvo Sotelo were later added, creating a civilian board that remained authoritarian. The attempt to institutionalize the dictatorship for continuity was influenced by Italian fascism. A National Consultative Assembly was convened, with members elected by citizens from major public institutions, effectively eliminating universal suffrage. The Patriotic Union, a ruling party without a clear ideology, was created to support the dictatorship and impose public order.
Economic Prosperity and Opposition
The dictatorship experienced a period of economic prosperity, with infrastructure development in industry and agriculture, but this was largely controlled by large monopolies. Companies like CAMPSA and Telefonica were established. The UGT faced no issues during the dictatorship, but anarcho-syndicalists and communists suffered repression. Dynastic groups, Republicans, communists, and anarchists opposed the harsh repression, and military conspiracies began. Academics and intellectuals suffered censorship. The CNT opposed the regime and was persecuted, leading to the creation of the Iberian Anarchist Federation, which advocated for violent and radical action. The PSOE declared its support for the Republic. King Alfonso XIII also opposed the dictatorship when he perceived it as a threat to the monarchy’s stability. Primo de Rivera resigned in January 1930.
The Fall of the Monarchy
An attempt was made to return to normalcy, but Alfonso XIII had become too closely associated with the dictatorship. The subsequent elections became a referendum on the monarchy. The Republicans won, demonstrating widespread opposition to the monarchy. Alfonso XIII went into exile on April 14, and the Second Republic was proclaimed. The originality of Primo de Rivera’s regime lies in its attempt to transform a dictatorship into a stable and constitutional system. However, it failed to gain widespread support and could not prevent the political and social deterioration that led to the end of the monarchy and the Spanish Civil War (June 17, 1936).