Restoration Crisis in Spain (1893-1923): From Cuban Independence to Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
Restoration Crisis in Spain (1893-1923)
From Cuban Independence to Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
1893-1923: Restoration in Crisis
1898: Spanish-American War
Spain was defeated by the United States. José Martí began an armed uprising against the Spanish in 1895 to achieve independence for Cuba. In July 1898, the Spanish government surrendered, and the Treaty of Paris was signed. Cuba gained independence.
Conservatives and Liberals ruled Spain until 1923. They lost historic leaders: Cánovas del Castillo died in 1897 and Sagasta died in 1903.
1900-1923: Catalan Political Landscape
Between 1900 and 1923, the Catalan political landscape was dominated by two political groups: the Regionalist League and the Radical Republican Party.
The Growth of Catalan Nationalism
1901: Founding of the Regionalist League
The Regionalist League of Catalonia was founded in 1901. This Catalan party became the main political power in Catalonia between 1901 and 1923.
Defense of Catalan and Demand for Autonomy
The League defended the Catalan language and demanded autonomy for Catalonia, a goal that was opposed by the Spanish military. In 1905, Spanish soldiers destroyed the offices of La Veu de Catalunya (the League’s press organ) and the satirical weekly ¡Cu-Cut!. The Spanish state enacted the Jurisdictions Act.
1906: Catalan Solidarity
In 1906, the League formed “Catalan Solidarity,” an electoral coalition for the 1907 parliamentary elections. They won 41 of 44 seats.
League’s Support for the Monarchy
Amid successive government crises, Alfonso XIII gave support to the League. The leader of the League, Francesc Cambó, became a government minister.
1914: Commonwealth of Catalonia
In 1914, the League obtained the Commonwealth of Catalonia from the Spanish government. The four provincial councils of Catalonia became the first Catalan governing body since 1714. It was chaired by Enric Prat de la Riba and, after his death, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch.
The Radical Republicans
The Radical Republican Party, led by Alejandro Lerroux, was the other major political force in Catalonia. Lerroux was anti-monarchist, Spanish nationalist, and a radical supporter of the workers, captivating them with his demagoguery.
1909: Tragic Week
In 1909, workers in Barcelona burned more than 70 religious buildings during the Tragic Week.
Major Crises of the Restoration
Between 1898 and 1923, Spain experienced a series of social and political crises that shook the monarchy.
Tragic Week of 1909
In Barcelona, on July 26, 1909, a strike called against the war in Morocco transformed into a revolt known as the Tragic Week.
Crisis of 1917
A general strike called by the CNT (National Confederation of Labor) and the UGT (General Union of Workers) paralyzed the entire state. The government closed the Congress of Deputies due to criticism. Republicans and socialists united and demanded a new constitution, the end of caciquismo (political bossism), and autonomy for Catalonia. The Civil Guard dissolved the assembly.
*CNT: anarchist trade union founded in 1911. Along with the UGT, it was the largest union in Spain.
Years of Violence (1918-1923)
Laborers seized many estates in Andalusia and clashed with the Civil Guard, resulting in a social war that killed many workers.
War in Morocco (1906-1925)
Spain attempted to build a new colonial empire in the Rif region of Morocco. The Algeciras Conference agreed on the division of Morocco between Spain and France. In 1921, at Annual, forces commanded by Abd el-Krim defeated the Spanish, resulting in over 12,000 Spanish deaths.
The Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Between 1923 and 1930, General Miguel Primo de Rivera established a dictatorship that was accepted by King Alfonso XIII.
Coup and Organization of Power
On September 13, 1923, Primo de Rivera staged a coup against the Spanish government. The prime minister resigned, and Primo de Rivera established a military government called the Directory. The 1876 constitution was suspended. Primo de Rivera banned all political parties and persecuted the CNT. He created a party called the Patriotic Union.
*Patriotic Union: political party founded in 1924 by Primo de Rivera.
Repression of Catalan Nationalism
The repression of Catalan nationalism was intense. The dictator banned displays of the Catalan flag and the use of Catalan in public events. He censored cultural entities like the Orfeó Català. With French help, the Spanish army defeated Abd el-Krim.
Economic Aspects of the Dictatorship
The Spanish government invested heavily in public works, including projects for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, such as the Grand Metropolitan (Barcelona Metro).
Modernism
Modernism was an artistic style that flourished from 1880 to the second decade of the 20th century.
Modernist Architecture
Modernist architects combined fanciful shapes and materials. Catalan modernists wanted to link their art with the creation of a Catalan national culture. Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Josep Puig i Cadafalch designed the Palau de la Música Catalana and the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona. Puig i Cadafalch also designed the Casa Amatller and the building that housed the Els Quatre Gats cabaret. Antoni Gaudí, the most brilliant and internationally renowned modernist architect, dedicated his life to architecture, unlike others who were linked to political or intellectual groups.