Early Syndicalism and the Spanish Civil War
Early Syndicalism
1840: Decisions to extend the size of pieces without remuneration led to protesting workers. First unions: Weavers’ Society / Association of Mutual of Weavers NY. During a progressive period: Strike against self-acting mules. 1855: Spanish general strike of Lestat. Back decree banning all associations and moderate unions.
First International
1868: The new government permitted workers’ associations. Strike of three offices of the DLS, a textile union movement called “The 3 Classes
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: Triumph and Tragedy
The Dawn of the Republic (1931)
Following the municipal elections of April 12, 1931, the Republican-Socialist coalition achieved victory in major Spanish cities. King Alfonso XIII abdicated and left the country, leading to the proclamation of the Second Republic on April 14, 1931. This proclamation carried the weight of centuries of Spanish problems, with the masses believing the Republic would provide solutions. The provisional government comprised diverse groups: Republicans, conservative Catholics,
Read MoreThe Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Era of Reform and Conflict
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
Proclamation and Early Challenges
On April 14, 1931, Niceto Alcalá-Zamora proclaimed the birth of the Second Spanish Republic from the balconies of the Interior Ministry. The triumph of the republican movement did not, however, signify a smooth transition. The reality of a plurinational Spain posed significant challenges to the establishment of a liberal, democratic state.
Attempts to impose a unified political model were met with resistance from Catalan, Basque,
Read MoreThe First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)
The Monarchy of Amadeus of Savoy (1870-1873)
The 1868 revolution in Spain led to the rise of a provisional government headed by Serrano and other rebel generals. The new government convened the Constituent Cortes, which, with a large monarchist majority, proclaimed the 1869 Constitution. This constitution established a constitutional monarchy as the form of government.
Finding a king who would accept the Spanish crown proved difficult. Spain at that time was an impoverished and troubled nation. The
Read MoreSimón Bolívar: A Venezuelan Revolutionary Leader
Simón Bolívar: A Venezuelan Revolutionary Leader
Mission for Independence
Napoleon’s invasion of Spain created a power vacuum, weakening the Spanish Empire. Venezuela seized this opportunity to pursue independence.
Caracas Aristocracy – Revolt and Emancipation
- The revolutionary ideals spread among the population.
- Spain’s Vicente Emparan attempted to control the situation by dismissing the government of Caracas and the Captain-General.
- April 19, 1810, marked the first step towards independence.
Bolívar
Read MoreThe Restoration in Spain: Political and Social Transformations (1874-1898)
1. The Political System of the Restoration
1.1 The Monarchy Restored
Spanish society, tired of instability, welcomed the proclamation of Alfonso XII as king, restoring the Bourbon dynasty. Despite facing obstacles, Alfonso XII had the support of the landed gentry, Catalan industrialists, the military, and the Vatican. He was appointed king on December 29, 1874, and quickly gained popular sympathy, especially during his youth. The Restoration can be divided into three phases: the first until 1885 (
Read More