Spanish Restoration: Politics and Basque Nationalism
Principles of Restoration
The Spanish Restoration referenced the British two-party model, imposing an unusual parliamentary discipline. The political system was based on turnismo (rotation of power between two political groups): the Conservatives and the Liberals.
Constitution of 1876
The courts were called to develop the new constitution by universal suffrage. However, this was a formality, as a system to capture votes had already been developed. Before debates began, Cánovas established premises
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Transformation, Opposition, and Transition (1957-1975)
Policy Evolution
A. Technocracy: The Rise of Opus Dei (1957-1969)
This phase marks the institutionalization of Franco’s regime and the liberalization of the economy. In 1957, ministers from Opus Dei, known as “technocrats,” joined the government. They dismantled the autarkic system, opening Spain to neoliberalism, foreign investment, and economic growth, starting with the 1959 Stabilization Plan.
A) Institutionalization of the Regime
Between 1957 and 1965, the technocrats reformed public administration
Read MoreSpain’s Franco Regime: Transformation and Development (1939-1969)
1. Early Franco Regime (1939-1950)
Context
The early years of Franco’s regime (1939-1950) presented several key challenges:
- Reforming the country’s institutions.
- Stabilizing the new political system.
- Addressing international incidents and conflicts through foreign policy.
International Policy: Seeking Recognition
Spain’s Stance During World War II
Spain initially declared neutrality in World War II due to its difficult economic situation. As the war progressed, this stance shifted. By mid-1940, Franco
Read MoreSpanish Restoration: Politics, Society, and Crisis
Political Parties and Bipartisanship
The political system, created by Canovas del Castillo, was dominated by two dynastic parties: the Conservatives and the Liberals. In 1885, Canovas and Sagasta signed a pact to strengthen the monarchy and ensure their alternation in power.
Conservative Party
Founded by Antonio Canovas del Castillo, this party represented the landed aristocracy, financial bourgeoisie, and Catholic hierarchy. It evolved from moderate liberals and unionists, adopting an authoritarian
Read MoreSpain’s Constitutional Turmoil: 1814-1823
Cadiz Courts and the 1824 Constitution
3.1. Restoration of Absolutism (1814-1820)
Liberals were wary of the monarch’s willingness to accept the new constitutional order. Therefore, they arranged for him to travel straight to Madrid to swear to the Constitution and accept the new political framework. Fernando VII was afraid to confront those who had resisted the invader for six years and abide by its conditions. However, the absolutist nobility and clergy knew that the king’s return was their best
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: A History (1931-1936)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
I. The End of the Monarchy
In January 1930, after the fall of Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship, King Alfonso XIII appointed General Dámaso Berenguer as Prime Minister, with instructions to return to the constitutional path. Berenguer’s government, known as the “soft dictatorship,” implemented reforms too slowly for the turbulent social and political climate, which demanded the king’s abdication to fulfill aspirations for change. In 1930, anti-monarchy forces
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