Spanish Civil War: Military Uprising and International Involvement
ITEM 11: The Military Uprising and the Internationalization of the Conflict
The Coup and its Origins
The military uprising was prepared following the Popular Front victory. General Mola led the coup, seeking support from organizations opposed to the government: Monarchists, Traditionalists, and Falangists.
On July 18, part of the army revolted for the following reasons:
- They felt that the autonomy of the regions threatened the unity of Spain.
- The continuous strikes and riots reflected the lack of authority
Spain’s Tumultuous 20th Century: From Dictatorship to Civil War
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
Among the key events of this period are:
- General Primo de Rivera rose to power, ostensibly to save the country, but in reality to preserve the ailing monarchy of Alfonso XIII.
- The dictatorship aimed to stabilize the ruling class by resolving issues from previous governments and improving the nation’s image.
- The dictatorship achieved significant economic progress, including merging public and private capital, and undertaking ambitious infrastructure projects (roads, bridges,
Spain’s Second Republic: Key Events, Reforms, and Economic Challenges
What Happened in the Municipal Elections of April 12?
The political situation shifted dramatically. Monarchists outperformed Republicans overall, but Republicans won in major cities. On April 14th, the Republic was proclaimed in Éibar, with other cities following suit, sparking public celebrations. Alfonso XIII suspended his royal powers and abdicated.
Who Participated in Forming the Provisional Government?
Liberal Right: Miguel Maura and Niceto Alcalá-Zamora.
Left Republicans: Manuel Azaña and Marcelino
Spain’s Restoration Era & Early 20th Century Turmoil
1 – The Restoration Regime (1874-1898)
On December 29, 1874, Martínez de Campos’s pronouncement in Sagunto proclaimed King Alfonso XII, ending the democratic sexenio and initiating the Restoration, which concluded with Miguel Primo de Rivera’s coup d’état in 1923.
Bases
- 1876 Constitution
- Peaceful alternation of power
- Caciquismo (political bossism)
1.1. The 1876 Constitution and Party Alternation
The Restoration was constitutionally regulated by the 1876 Constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy
Read MoreRise of National Monarchies: England, France, Spain
The Growth of National Monarchies (42-53) – Feudalism’s Decline
In the Middle Ages, strong national governments were absent. A nation is a group of people in a shared territory, under one government, usually speaking the same language. It has a central government for defense and order. People are distinguished by language, religion, traditions, and lifestyle. National loyalty and pride are called nationalism.
Expanding Trade Demands Stronger Governance
By the 1100s, cities grew rapidly, trade expanded,
Read MoreBuilding the Liberal State in Spain: From Isabel II to the First Republic
ITEM 12: CONSTRUCTING AND STRENGTHENING THE LIBERAL STATE
Reign of Queen Isabel II
The Rise of Liberalism and the Carlist Opposition
During the reign of Queen Isabel II, Spain underwent a significant transformation, constructing a liberal parliamentary state and transitioning from the ancien régime to a modern capitalist system. The new ruling class comprised the business bourgeoisie and nobility. However, this shift faced strong opposition from Carlism, an ideological and class-based movement advocating
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