Spain: Economic Expansion, Social Groups & Religion (1900-1930)
The Economy (1900-1930)
From 1900 to 1913, Spain experienced economic expansion driven by three key factors:
- The repatriation of capital from former colonies, especially Cuba, following the defeat of 1898.
- A significant influx of foreign capital.
- The development of private banking, with the founding of banks such as Vizcaya, Hispanic American, and Spanish Credit, alongside Bilbao, which was founded half a century earlier.
Impact of the First World War
Spain’s neutrality during the First World War presented a significant opportunity for its economy. Exports found new markets, although consumers were affected by substantial price increases. Imports declined as the main suppliers were at war. The accumulation of profits facilitated the creation of new financial institutions, such as the Central Bank.
While the trade balance became very positive during the war, it later turned negative, leading to increased protectionism. The period of dictatorship saw economic prosperity and increased state interventionism.
Increasing National Income
From 1890 to 1930, Spain experienced an increase in overall welfare, although it did not close the gap with neighboring countries.
Social Groups
Catholicism and Secularism
At the beginning of the 20th century, the conflict between clericalism and anticlericalism intensified. This confrontation culminated during the Second Republic and, tragically, in the Civil War.
- Clericalism: Influence of the clergy in political decisions.
- Anticlericalism: Opposition to clerical influence in political affairs, and more broadly, hostility toward the clergy.
- Secularism: The defense of individual freedom against any imposition based on religious conviction.
- Anti-Semitism: Hostility toward Jews based on religion or race.
The Polarization of Attitudes
Catholicism was strengthened by its expanding network of institutions, especially religious orders, and took a stand against many social changes. Conversely, religious practice declined in many places, and a sometimes radical anticlericalism emerged, extending beyond secularism.
Freedom of Conscience
Many Catholics believed that Christian faith was compatible with the modern idea of freedom. However, within the clergy and the most active and dominant segments of Catholicism, the notion of freedom of conscience and all liberal doctrine were unacceptable.
Education
Education was a key area of confrontation, with both sides vying for influence in public schools and attempting to create their own private schools, with Catholics being the most successful.
The Religious Orders
Anticlerical sentiment opposed the influence of religious orders. Some held a conspiratorial view of the Society of Jesus, similar to the clerical view of Freemasonry. The religious orders played a significant role in teaching.
Sexual Morality
The Church demonstrated hostility toward the liberation of customs, especially in sexual matters. It condemned the use of contraceptives, which became common in urban environments in the 1920s.