The Rise and Fall of Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
The Rise of Primo de Rivera
In 1923, two distinct movements converged in Spain. In Barcelona, the Juntas plotted with Primo de Rivera to forcibly dissolve the courts. Meanwhile, in Madrid, the African army voiced its aspirations regarding Morocco. Miguel Primo de Rivera, connected to the latter group, became the liaison between the two and the leader of the impending uprising. He requested full powers to combat terrorism in Barcelona.
Primo de Rivera’s Coup
Primo de Rivera, Captain General of Catalonia
Read MoreFranco’s Regime: Ideology, Repression, and International Relations (1939-1975)
Franco’s Regime (1939-1975)
1. The New Regime (1939-1959)
1.1. Ideological Foundations and Sociopolitical Context
The regime established in 1939, post-Civil War, had clear ideological foundations:
- Concentration of Power: Political power was centralized in Franco.
- Anti-Communism: Crucial during the Cold War (1945 onwards), strengthening Franco’s position in the Western world.
- Anti-Parliamentarism and Anti-Liberalism: The regime opposed political freedoms.
- National Catholicism: The Church legitimized the
The Socialist Governments and the Consolidation of Democracy in Spain
The Consolidation of Democracy in Spain
The Socialist Governments (1982-1996)
In the elections of October 28, 1982, the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) won an absolute majority with over 10 million votes and 202 seats in the Congress of Deputies. This party governed Spain for over 13 years (until March 1996) under Prime Minister Felipe González.
The first socialist government began its work in December 1982. Some called it a “roller” due to its decisive actions and total political capacity.
Read MoreThe Construction of European Unity: From Marshall Plan to Present
The Construction of European Unity
From Marshall Plan to the EEC
Location
After World War II, European cities and infrastructure were destroyed, cropland devastated, and economies severely weakened. The United States, in a move of political and economic empowerment, launched the Marshall Plan in 1947, an aid program to rebuild the European continent. In 1948, the OEEC (Organization for European Economic Co-operation) was created to administer the American economic aid. In 1950, after the Schuman Declaration,
Read MoreSpanish Liberalism and Absolutism (1808-1833): From Cádiz to the Carlist Wars
The Cortes of Cádiz
Formation of the Cortes
At the start of the war, provincial councils sent representatives to form a central coordinating body, the Supreme Central Junta (1808). This Junta recognized Ferdinand VII as king and assumed state authority. In 1809, facing difficulties directing the war, the Junta convened a Parliament. Due to the French occupation, Catalonia sent twenty deputies, led by Antoni Campmany.
In 1810, the Parliament opened and approved the principle of national sovereignty,
Read MoreThe Rise of Liberalism in Spain (1833-1843)
1. The First Carlist War (1833-1840)
Isabelline (supporters of Isabel II) clashed with Carlists (supporters of Carlos). Liberals backed Isabel, while the Carlists represented a traditionalist, anti-liberal coalition of nobles, rural clergy, and peasants. The Carlists opposed the expulsion from the land, defended the autonomy of Catalonia and the Basque Country, and advocated for the traditional economic system. Their motto was “God, Homeland, and Charters.” Maria Cristina, Isabel’s mother, allied
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