Regenerationism in Spain: Maura and Canalejas’ Reforms
Attempts to Solve Spain’s Problems in the Early 20th Century
1. Regenerationism
Regenerationism was closely related to a cultural policy that emerged in 1898, aiming to provide solutions to Spain’s serious problems. The finest example of regenerationism was an intellectual from Aragon named Joaquin Costa. He believed that to fix Spain’s problems, it was necessary to focus on:
- “Pantry” (economic well-being)
- School (education)
To overcome the national debt, he advocated for:
- Increased economic production
- Increased education and culture
Prominent Spanish regenerationists included:
- Francisco Silvela
- Antonio Maura y Montaner
- Jose Canalejas
2. Antonio Maura y Montaner – The Palma Era
Antonio Maura began his political career in the Liberal Party but later joined the Conservative Party. In 1902, he became the head of the Conservative Party, replacing Francisco Silvela. He was the leading political figure during the reign of Alfonso XIII, serving as President of the Government five times. His most notable term was from 1907 to 1909, known as “The Long Government,” the longest of the 32 governments in 21 years.
Maura aimed to clean up the corrupt system of the Restoration, driven primarily by political and moral conviction. He wanted to engage what he called the “neutral mass,” the large portion of the population that did not participate in politics due to the system’s corruption. To achieve this, Maura reformed the electoral law, improving the system. He famously stated, “We must make the revolution from above, or it will come from below.”
Maura’s administration also passed a new law granting more powers to local councils. However, this act was considered excessive by supporters of a centralized state and insufficient by advocates of regional decentralization.
In July 1909, the Tragic Week occurred in Barcelona. This anarchist rebellion resulted in approximately 120 deaths. Maura’s government responded with a strong crackdown on the anarchist movement, which was exploited by all opposing political forces who initiated the “Maura No” campaign. This propaganda was successful, and Alfonso XIII requested Maura’s resignation. From that moment, the Conservative Party was divided into two factions:
- Supporters of Maura: Maurists
- Supporters of Dato
3. Jose Canalejas
In late 1909, the conservative Eduardo Dato was replaced as president by the liberal government of Jose Canalejas. Canalejas, along with Maura and Silvela, represented a new wave of regenerationism and was undoubtedly the most important politician of the time.
Key Actions of Canalejas:
Candado Law (1910): The French government adopted a series of anticlerical measures that caused a significant emigration of French clergy to Italy and Spain. Canalejas’ Candado Law prevented the entry of clergy into Spain and prohibited the establishment of new religious orders from France.
Promoting the Catalan Mancomunidad
Deployment of Spanish troops in Morocco in 1911, culminating in the occupation of Larache.
Canalejas was assassinated in 1912 at the Puerta del Sol in Madrid by an anarchist.