The Crisis of 1917 and the Rise of Social Conflict in Spain
1.8 The 1917 Crisis
In the summer of 1917, a complex political crisis unfolded in Spain. The political system faced military insubordination (Juntas), a push for constitutional reform instigated by the Catalan parliament, and a movement to overthrow the monarchy (general strike).
The Boards of Defense
Officers of the Barcelona garrison initiated a protest movement that spread and focused on the poor conditions of the army, including low salaries and a promotion system favoring those with connections.
Read MoreSpanish Civil War: Key Battles & Political Developments
The Battles of Jarama and Guadalajara
After failing to take Madrid directly, Franco attempted to encircle the capital. This led to the Battle of Jarama, one of the bloodiest of the conflict, and the Battle of Guadalajara, where Italian troops sent by Mussolini were defeated. Nationalists took Malaga, where harsh repression followed.
The Northern Campaign
From spring 1937 onward, Nationalist troops gained control of the isolated Republican North. One by one, the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias
Read MoreEuropean Powers & International Relations in the Early 20th Century
1. The Great European Powers
1.1 The Democratic Powers
Great Britain
Great Britain, a liberal monarchy reigned by Victoria I, was the most powerful, developed, prosperous, and influential country. Its political system was based on the alternation of power between the Tories (Conservatives) and Whigs (Liberals). By the end of the 1890s, the Whigs struggled to take power, and the Labor Party lost ground. The modernization process was based on reform laws, making the electoral system more participatory.
Read MoreThe Regency of Maria Christina & The Rise of Regionalism and Nationalism in Spain
The Regency of Maria Christina of Austria and the Shift of Parties
The Opposition to the System, Regionalism, and Nationalism
Alfonso XII died in 1885, leaving his wife, Maria Christina of Austria, as Regent. To maintain stability during the regency, party leaders established an agreement known as El Pacto del Pardo. They agreed to alternate in government, respecting the legislation passed during each term.
The regency began with Sagasta (1885-1890), a period known as the Long Parliament. His agenda
Read MoreRestoration of the Spanish Monarchy (1875-1898)
The Restoration of Monarchy (1875-1898)
1. The Political System Restoration
After a failed attempt to establish a democratic regime, the Bourbon monarchy was restored in Spain, returning to census-liberalism. The restoration lasted over 50 years (1874-1931) until the proclamation of the 2nd Republic, with a pause in 1898 due to the loss of the last Spanish colonies, Cuba and the Philippines. This led to a significant political and moral crisis, prompting reforms that ushered in a new era: Regenerationism.
Read MoreSpain: From the Disaster of 1898 to the Second Republic
The Disaster of 1898 and its Aftermath
Anarchism in Spain
The prominent anarchist leader in Spain, Anselmo Lorenzo, faced challenges due to the lack of organization within the anarchist movement. The decline of anarchist organizations and influence coincided with the emergence of new ideas like propaganda of the deed and direct action, which gained traction in parts of Europe.
Barcelona witnessed numerous anarchist attacks. In 1893, an anarchist attacked the Captain General of Catalonia, MartÃnez
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