Political Turmoil in Spain: The Democratic Sexenio and the First Republic
Spain’s Democratic Sexenio: 1868-1874
In 1868, Spain’s deepening economic and political crisis culminated in widespread instability. A financial crisis, triggered by failing railway investments, coincided with an industrial crisis in the cotton sector and a severe food shortage. General O’Donnell, leading a moderate government, suppressed a revolt by sergeants at the San Gil barracks who demanded reforms but was subsequently removed from power.
The Revolution of 1868 and the Provisional Government
In
Read MoreLand Reform and Political Unrest in Spain’s Second Republic
Land Reform in Spain’s Second Republic
Spain remained a predominantly agricultural country. Farmers represented nearly 50% of the workforce, and most of them were farm laborers. The following measures were taken:
- a) Prohibiting landowners from leasing their land.
- b) Extending the eight-hour workday to agricultural workers, which was already enjoyed by industrial workers.
- c) Requiring a contract to work the land, giving priority to laborers of the municipality to which they belonged.
The Agrarian Reform
Read MoreSpain’s Political Evolution & EU Integration: 1982-Present
The Alternation in Power (1982-Present)
In 1982, a new political era began with the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE)’s electoral victory by an absolute majority and the collapse of the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD). Simultaneously, the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) declined, People’s Alliance (AP) grew, and the nationalist parties, Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and Convergence and Union (CiU), consolidated. The reasons for the Socialist victory can be attributed to social aspirations
Read MoreSpain’s Early 20th Century: Society, Economy, and the 1917 Crisis
Spain in the First Third of the 20th Century: Society and Economy, The Crisis of 1917
Introduction: The Spanish Political Situation in the First Third of the 20th Century
In 1902, Alfonso XIII was crowned king, and his reign lasted until 1931. Broadly speaking, this period is characterized by:
- The king actively intervened in the political system. In his diaries, Alfonso XIII expressed his intention to be an active king and not remain on the sidelines.
- Until 1923, government changes were constant and
Democracy’s Rise: Key Factors in Post-Communist Transitions
Michael McFaul on Democratic Breakthroughs
Independent Electoral-Monitoring Capabilities
A fourth condition critical to democratic breakthroughs in Serbia, Georgia, and Ukraine was the ability of NGOs to provide an accurate and independent tally of the actual vote quickly after polls had closed, to avoid any fraud.
A Modicum of Independent Media
A fifth critical element was the presence of independent media able to relay news about the falsified vote and to publicize mounting popular protests. For years,
Read MoreLiberal Triennium in Spain: A Period of Freedom and Reform
The Liberal Triennium in Spain
Stage 2: A Period of Great Freedom
During this constitutional period, Spain experienced an atmosphere of great freedom, marked by a measurable increase in the number of newspapers and centers of political discussion that emerged over the years. Some liberal revolutions adopted or imitated the Constitution of Cadiz. The Holy Alliance closely monitored the Spanish political situation and, in 1823, decided to send an army (the Hundred Thousand Sons of Saint Louis) to end
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