Spanish Dynasty Decline: Restoration to Second Republic
The Decline of the Spanish Dynasty (1898-1936)
Alfonso XII’s Regime (1874-1885)
Restoration: The period when the Bourbons returned to Spain in 1874.
Two main political parties:
- Conservative Party: Cánovas/Maura.
- Progressive or Liberal Party: Sagasta/Canalejas.
Other political parties were excluded from participation.
Turno Pacífico: A system of alternating power by manipulating votes.
- Pucherazo: Ballot box fraud.
- Caciquismo: Local bosses “cacique”) coerced workers to vote as instructed.
The two main parties alternated power.
Constitution of 1876: A moderate but flexible constitution designed to accommodate both parties.
Crisis in the Dynasty and the Dictatorship: Alfonso XIII (1886-1931)
In 1898, the last three colonies (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines) gained independence, causing a psychological crisis in Spain.
The Tragic Week: Spain was given the northern part of Morocco, leading to a war. In 1909, reserve troops were called to Morocco. Rich people could avoid service by paying, causing resentment among the poor. A revolt broke out in Barcelona during troop embarkation and was harshly repressed.
1917 Crisis: Following the Russian example, general strikes were organized demanding better working conditions. These were also repressed. The strongest worker’s movements were in Andalusia (peasants) and Catalonia (factory workers).
Pistolerismo: A method of solving social problems using hired gunmen to kill worker’s leaders. The worker’s movement responded by hiring gunmen to kill politicians and factory owners.
Miguel Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
A military dictatorship supported by the King, aimed at guaranteeing social order. The economy improved due to large loans. When the 1929 crisis began, he resigned to avoid facing Spain’s economic problems. Alfonso XIII appointed General Berenguer to transition back to democracy.
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
1931 Elections:
- Municipal Elections (April): A provisional government was formed by Republicans, Socialists, and Nationalists, implementing amnesty, labor laws, a Catalan government, and a new election system. There were strikes and the burning of convents.
- Elections for the Cortes (June): Alcalá Zamora became head of state, and Azaña became prime minister.
Two main actions of the government:
- Drafting the 1931 Constitution: Established autonomous governments, universal suffrage, division of powers, a non-denominational state, and individual rights.
- Reforming Spain: Military, religious, educational, territorial, and agricultural reforms were initiated.
Reformist Biennium: The Socialist and Republican parties were in power. Opposition came from the labor movement (slow uprisings), landowners, the Catholic Church, part of the army, and the middle and upper classes (CEDA, monarchists, Falange). This led to a coup organized by Sanjurjo in 1932.
1933 Elections: The Radical Party won. Alcalá Zamora remained head of state, and Lerroux became prime minister. CEDA intervened to stop reforms (1934). The UGT called a general strike, leading to revolts in Asturias (crushed by the military) and Catalonia (led by Lluís Companys).
1936 Elections: The Popular Front defeated other parties. Azaña became head of state, and Casares Quiroga became prime minister. The reform process resumed, but the situation deteriorated and radicalized, leading to the coup on July 17th-18th.