Spanish Restoration Opposition: 1874-1900
Opposition to the Spanish Restoration: 1874-1900
Opposition to the Restoration was characterized by republicanism, nationalism, regionalism, and the labor movement. After the Restoration, the labor movement was forced underground, with socialism and anarchism (organized around the FTRE) separating into two distinct currents.
Anarchism in Spain
The introduction of anarchism was significant in Aragon, Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. However, due to internal divisions and police repression of workers and peasants, anarchists shifted towards predominantly union activism and demands. A minority of radicals opted for direct action, including violence and bombings. The ruling classes used these actions to label all anarchism as violent.
Socialism and the PSOE
After the repression of 1874, socialists in Madrid reorganized around a core of printers and publishers. Together with some intellectuals and artisans, they founded the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) in May 1879, led by Pablo Iglesias. The party’s first program was based on three fundamental goals:
- Abolition of classes and emancipation of the workers.
- Transformation of private property.
- Seizure of political power by the working class.
The program also included numerous other demands.
In 1888, the UGT (General Union of Workers) was founded in Barcelona, marking a watershed moment for the PSOE-UGT relationship. In 1890, for the first time, May Day was celebrated, and four aldermen were achieved in large elections. The war in Cuba further consolidated the party’s position.
It is also worth noting the organization of labor movements of Catholic inspiration (Leo XIII denounced the social situation), but these movements only took root in limited areas.
Republicanism During the Restoration
Republicanism during the Restoration was fragmented into many unrecognizable groups, almost always limiting their activities to election time. Their chances of success were very small, as they lacked the backing of the labor movement and the nationalist bourgeoisie. However, in the 1890s, Republicans improved their election results, thanks to universal suffrage, and even achieved some significant victories in provincial capitals.
The Rise of Nationalism
During the Restoration, regionalist claims were channeled through federal republicanism (progressive) and Carlism (conservative). However, new movements emerged claiming historical rights for Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia. This was not an isolated phenomenon, but part of a broader trend across Europe.
Catalan Nationalism
Catalan nationalism developed a greater strength, along with Basque nationalism, due to linguistic differentiation and a developed bourgeoisie. The first nationalist intellectuals in Catalonia arose around figures like Prat de la Riba. They merged into the Unio Catalanista in 1892. Its program, the Bases de Manresa, presented an essentially bourgeois movement, proposing a federal system of self-government.
Basque Nationalism
The Basque movement emerged later, with Sabino Arana founding the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) in 1895. His initial ideas were very radical, but he gradually softened his stance. He proposed a rather conservative nationalist option, unchecked by Carlism, which easily took root among the middle classes who feared the growth of socialism.
Other Nationalisms
Other nationalisms, such as Galician, Valencian, and Andalusian, experienced their peak later, in the 20th century, due to the lack of a strong bourgeoisie.