Spanish Labor and Political Movements in the Restoration Era
The Rise of Labor and Political Movements in Restoration Spain
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)
In 1879, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) was founded. Led by Pablo Iglesias and Jaime Vera, a program was drafted with the following objectives:
- Abolition of social classes and the emancipation of workers.
- Transformation of private property into social or collective property.
- Conquest of political power by the working class.
These objectives included claims related to employment policies and improving the living conditions of workers. The PSOE continued to define its agenda. In 1881, the Central Committee (under Sagasta’s government) was created, which allowed the party to complete its organization and expand its bases. In Barcelona, the General Union of Workers (UGT), a socialist union, was founded in 1888. A division emerged between the party (focused on political objectives) and the union, whose function was to defend the interests of workers.
In the 20th century, the PSOE increased its members and sympathizers. Socialists opposed military service on various fronts and denounced war as an imperialist and anti-social element. Their anti-war stance, which did not result in popular backlash, helped popularize their image. Socialism gained strength in Bilbao, Madrid, and Asturias, and spread through Andalusia and Extremadura.
Anarchism and Labor Unionism
Marxist and anarchist political aspirations found expression in labor and social demands through class unions (a political party aspiring to power and a trade union defending workers’ interests). The Associations Law of 1887 enabled the legal creation of labor unions, though their capacity for action was limited. Strikes were commonly used to achieve demands, but the moderate attitude of Iglesias led Socialists to be considered intermediaries between the state and workers. Strikes were either initiated by workers or received voluntary support from the National Committee or by a majority anarchist vote.
Within anarchism, the Federation of Workers of the Spanish Region (FTRE) was created in Barcelona in 1881 for the reorganization of anarchists, whose members were active in Catalonia and Andalusia (anarcho-syndicalists). In Andalusia, a secret anarchist society, The Black Hand, emerged, whose members disrupted the FTRE. In 1902, the National Confederation of Labor (CNT) was established.
Church and State Responses to Social Issues
Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social and labor problems of the working class, sparking concern within the Church. Rural banks were created, though Catholic organizations had limited influence on society, as workers and laborers found it difficult to reconcile Christianity with social reforms.
State actions in favor of the working class included the creation of the Institute of Social Reforms and legislation on workplace accidents, as well as the work of women and children. During the Restoration, the labor movement consolidated its foundations and objectives, becoming essential in challenging the Cánovas system.
Conclusion: Evolution of Political and Labor Forces
Initially, Republicanism enjoyed significant popularity among the working class. However, this support gradually waned due to internal ideological divisions, which weakened the movement. With the creation of the Republican Union, it gained more support and became the main adversary of the Restoration.
Anarchism divided into proponents of direct action (including attacks on Cánovas’ institutions) and those advocating for education in anarchist ideology. In Andalusia, The Black Hand (a secret society) also emerged, and the CNT would become a major labor organization.
Marxism led to the establishment of the PSOE and the UGT. The PSOE became the leading workers’ party. In 1887, the Associations Act was passed, enabling the creation of unions.