Spanish Workers’ Movements: Anarchism and Socialism (1874-1910)
The Genesis of Spanish Workers’ Movements
Anarchism: From Dissolution to Reorganization (1874-1881)
In 1874, a decree dissolved the Spanish section of the Workers’ International Association (AIT) following the coup by General Pavía. By 1881, a new political landscape emerged as anarchism was re-legalized under Sagasta’s government.
Key Outcomes of Anarchist Reorganization
- Geographically dispersed associations began to reorganize.
- The Spanish Regional Federation of Workers (FTRE) was established to address the new reality.
- Affiliates were encouraged to register as legal organizations.
The Regional Workers’ Federation Committee
Committee Membership
Primarily from five Catalan cities and industries.
Core Decisions and Ideals
Advocating for the destruction of the State and resistance, the committee decided to organize in a united and peaceful manner.
Consequences and the Black Hand
- Immediate opposition arose from the Andalusian section of farmers, who believed direct action was the only effective path to change.
- This led to a split into two distinct groups.
- Andalusian anarchists formed secret societies, giving rise to the Black Hand, a clandestine organization accused of several murders.
The Rise of Socialism in Spain
Origins of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)
The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) originated from a small group dedicated to disseminating the ideas of Karl Marx. Initially operating underground, this resistance organization grew.
Pablo Iglesias, with approximately 250 members, was appointed head of the association. After much deliberation and persuasion, Pablo Iglesias and other members decided to establish the PSOE in Madrid in 1879.
PSOE’s Ideology: Marxist Principles
The party’s ideology was completely Marxist, advocating for workers’ participation in politics. The PSOE was founded to challenge the existing political regime and economic system.
PSOE’s Core Goals and Demands
Fundamental Principles for Working-Class Victory
- Embodied Marxist theory of class struggle: Workers must gain political power, and the means of production (land, mines, factories, machinery, capital) should become collective property.
- The ultimate aim, as stated in their program, was the abolition of all social classes and the establishment of a society where the working class collectively owned the means of production.
Immediate Political and Economic Demands
The party discussed immediate political and economic measures to be taken, including:
- Rights of association and assembly
- Freedom of the press
- Universal suffrage
- The eight-hour workday
- Equal wages for the same work (regardless of sex)
- In general, an end to all forms of worker exploitation.
PSOE’s Expansion and Challenges
Geographic Spread of PSOE
The PSOE was primarily established in Extremadura and New Castile, especially in Madrid. From there, it extended to Asturias, Valencia, Vizcaya, and mining industrial areas.
Importance of the Socialist Magazine (1886)
The party’s magazine, launched in 1886, was crucial. For many years, it served as the sole communication link between socialists across Spain.
The 1887 Economic Crisis and its Impact
Crisis Effects
- Widespread factory closures.
- A significant increase in unemployment.
Crisis Results: Formation of UGT
The Socialist Party responded by creating cooperative institutions to counter capitalist structures. The General Union of Workers (UGT) was formed in Barcelona.
Goals of the General Union of Workers (UGT)
The UGT’s objective was purely economic: to improve workers’ living and working conditions.
UGT’s Methods for Worker Improvement
- Negotiation
- Presenting demands
- Leveraging political power
- Strikes
PSOE’s Political Evolution (Post-1891)
From 1891, the PSOE focused its efforts on electoral politics. Initially, it rejected any alliances with bourgeois parties, leading to low electoral results. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, cooperation with Republican parties began. In 1910, a socialist-republican coalition led to the election of several deputies, with Pablo Iglesias becoming the first socialist representative in parliament.
Women in the Spanish Workers’ Movement
Women’s Work in Industry
Activity Rate in Catalan Textile Industry
40% of the workforce.
General Female Employment Rate
17%.
Wages Compared to Men
Women earned only 50% to 60% of men’s wages.
Trade Union Attitudes Towards Women
Unions were often distrustful of working women.
A Prominent Female Leader: Teresa Claramunt
Teresa Claramunt was a notable leader in the movement.