The Regency of Maria Cristina and the Carlist Wars in Spain
The Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840) and the Carlist Problem
Regency of Maria Cristina of Bourbon
The reign begins with the instruction to Bermúdez Cea to form the first government, characterized by timid reformism with administrative reforms and a new provincial division by Javier de Burgos.
The next government is formed by Martínez de la Rosa with the mission to provide the State with a useful tool for government tasks, developing the Royal Statute of 1834. This charter, granted by the monarchy,
Read MoreThe Reign of Alfonso XIII of Spain
The Reign of Alfonso XIII
Early Reign and Political Context
In 1902, Alfonso XIII began his reign in Spain, inheriting a nation eager for regeneration after the colonial disaster of 1898. This period marked a generational shift in Spanish politics. In 1906, he married Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg, granddaughter of Queen Victoria of England. They had six children. His reign, however, was plagued by political crises, war in Morocco, and social unrest, ultimately leading to the coup and dictatorship
Read MoreAl-Andalus: Political, Social, Economic, and Cultural History
Political Developments: Conquest, Emirate, and Caliphate of Córdoba
Building disputes among the Visigoths weakened the kingdom, allowing the Muslims to land in Gibraltar in 711. They defeated the army of Don Rodrigo at the Battle of Guadalete. In two years, they conquered the entire peninsula except for some areas of the Cantabrian coast and the Pyrenees. They usually signed contracts that allowed the conquered to keep their land in exchange for paying taxes. The speed of the conquest was partly
Read MoreThe Second Republic and Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship in Spain
Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Political and Social Crisis
Spain faced a deep political and social crisis. The war with Morocco, labor movements, and new political trends destabilized Alfonso XII’s monarchy. The fragmented monarchical governments struggled to maintain control.
Primo de Rivera’s Coup
Miguel Primo de Rivera launched a coup, forcing the government to resign and establishing a dictatorship. He overrode the constitution, dissolved the courts, and formed a provisional military directory
Read MoreThe Spanish Civil War and the Franco Regime
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Military Evolution and High Morale
Military professionalism was predominantly on the Nationalist side. While disagreements existed within both factions, the Republican side experienced greater internal division. From the outset, the Nationalist military displayed a strong initiative. The Civil War unfolded in five stages:
1. Nationalist Union and Conquest of Extremadura (July 1936 – October 1936)
Franco moved his troops to secure the Strait of Gibraltar with German
Read More20th Century Spain: A Tumultuous Timeline
Reign of Alfonso XIII (1902-1923)
Protectorate of Morocco: The Algeciras Conference (1905-1906)
Tragic Week: July-August 1909
Influence of World War I (1914-1918)
Annual Disaster (1920-1921)
Wild-Berenger
Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera (1923-1930)
Military Directory (1923-1925)
Civil Directory (1925-1930)
Dictablanda Berenger (1930)
The Second Republic (1931-1936)
Pact of San Sebastian: Summer 1930
Social Forces:
- Historic Republicanism: A. Lerroux
- New Republican Left: M. Azaña
- Socialism: I. Prieto
- Catalan Left: