Spain in the Early 20th Century: Political and Social Turmoil
Crisis of the Restoration
In the early twentieth century, strong political commotion caused by the disaster of 1898 forced the dynastic parties to initiate a policy of reform. However, projects promoted by the conservative reformer Maura and the liberal Canalejas failed to thoroughly modernize the old system or truly democratize the Spanish political life of the Restoration. While the political system was only partially reformed, Spanish society entered a progressive stage of economic development and social modernization, largely conditioned by the acceleration of the urbanization process. Urban growth pushed up the political and cultural prominence of cities, largely symbolized by the rise of the middle classes, the emergence of mass media, and the rise of intellectuals. However, the impact of the First World War, and especially its economic consequences, exacerbated political and social problems. Cabinet instability within the dynastic parties, the growing split between the courts and governments, the aggravation of social tensions, and the difficulties of the war in Morocco served as an excuse for the imposition of a military dictatorship in September 1923.
The Moroccan War and the Tragic Week
Colonial Policy and the Moroccan War
In 1906, Spain began its penetration into North Africa. The Algeciras Conference (1906) and the Hispano-French Treaty (1912) solidified its entry into the division of spheres of influence between European countries. These agreements established a Franco-Spanish protectorate in Morocco. Spain received control of the Rif region, Ifni, and Rio de Oro.
Spain’s interest in this area stemmed from potential economic benefits, and the military, known as the Africanistas, wanted to make Spain a new colonial power.
Attacks from the Rif region forced Spain to maintain a strong military contingent, which intensified after 1909 when the Rif inflicted a major defeat on Spanish troops in the Barranco del Lobo. The deployment of reservists sparked a major movement of popular protest, supported by socialists, anarchists, and Republicans.
The Tragic Week in Barcelona
The mobilization against the war started in the port of Barcelona on July 18. The revolt extended for a week, resulting in a movement that took on a strong anti-militarist character and rejected the hegemony of the Church. A strike committee called for a general strike. The popular initiative became a spontaneous outburst of all social tensions built up over decades. Incidents multiplied in the streets, barricades were erected, clashes with the forces of order occurred, and a strong anticlerical sentiment emerged, leading to attacks on religious establishments. Authorities declared a state of war and sent reinforcements. There were many wounded and killed, causing the insurrectionary movement to radicalize and devolve into uncontrolled and spontaneous action by disorganized factions. The insurrection was eventually put down by the army. Harsh repression followed, with hundreds of people arrested, 216 court-martials, and 17 death sentences, of which 5 were carried out.
Political Implications
There was a wave of protests across Europe. Opposition to Maura formed a left bloc that convinced Alfonso XIII to dissolve Parliament and return the government to the Liberals. In Catalonia, left-wing Republican nationalism began to take shape, culminating in the foundation of the Unión Federal Nacionalista Republicana (Federal Nationalist Republican Union) in 1910. The impact of the Tragic Week also contributed to the creation of the Republican-Socialist Conjunction and the birth of the Reformist Party of Melquiades Álvarez in 1912.