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. The Liberal government arrested members of the Barcelona Defense Committee, but they received widespread support, forcing the government to back down. The new Conservative government under Eduardo Dato addressed some of the boards’ demands to quell the military threat, granting the military significant political influence and marking the end of civilian dominance.
The Parliamentary Assembly
The leader of the Lliga aimed to capitalize on the military crisis and public discontent to push for democratization and Catalan autonomy. Faced with the government’s refusal to convene Parliament, an illegal Parliamentary Assembly was held in Barcelona and subsequently dissolved by the government without violence.
The General Strike
A more radical movement, led by Socialists, launched a general strike. In June 1917, believing that military discontent favored their plans, Socialists and Republicans agreed on a movement to overthrow the monarchy. The Lliga did not support the strike or the military juntas. The week-long strike involved violent clashes, resulting in nearly a hundred deaths. Socialist leaders were arrested and prosecuted.
The system survived the crisis but was weakened. Civilian authority had been challenged, and the military juntas exerted undue influence. The Liberal and Conservative parties were divided and unable to form stable governments.
1.9 The Birth of the Communist Party
Anarchists and socialists were initially enthusiastic about events in Russia, but the anarchists became disillusioned with the emerging authoritarian state. Within the Socialist party, a debate arose between those who supported the Russian model and those who opposed it, including Fernando de los Rios, who criticized the new system’s authoritarian aspects. Supporters of the new Communist International (rejected by the PSOE) left to found the Communist Party, which initially had limited success among Spanish workers.
1.10 Social Conflict (1918-1921)
Between 1918 and 1921, Spain experienced a wave of labor actions, fueled by soaring prices and the hope for revolutionary change. Anarcho-syndicalist labor led the mobilization, primarily affecting rural Andalusia and industrial Barcelona.
The “Bolshevik Triennium” in Andalusia
The period from 1918 to 1921 was known in Andalusia as the “Bolshevik Triennium,” referencing the Russian communists. Inspired by anarchist propaganda and the Russian example, Andalusian laborers launched general strikes, occupied farms, and destroyed crops, aiming to redistribute land among peasants. A government crackdown ended the protests.
Worker Conflicts in Barcelona
In 1919, the CNT held an unprecedented strike against La Canadiense, Barcelona’s electricity supplier. The company eventually yielded to worker demands, but when authorities refused to release those arrested, anarchist sectors of the CNT pushed for a general strike. Employers and military authorities responded with harsh repression, and the Liberal government passed an 8-hour workday law but was forced to resign. Anarchist proponents of violence began to displace unionists.
The Years of “Gangsterism”
Anarchists increasingly resorted to murdering employers during labor disputes. From 1918, employers hired gunmen to assassinate anarchist leaders. In 1921, police began killing arrested militants, allegedly during escape attempts. The CNT was blamed for the assassination of Prime Minister Dato. This extreme violence contributed to the CNT’s loss of social influence in Barcelona.
1.11 The Annual Disaster in Morocco
Adding to the Spanish government’s woes was a military defeat in Morocco, known as the Annual Disaster. Morocco had been divided into protectorates, with France controlling the larger area and Spain the Rif region. Effective occupation of the Rif proved challenging due to resistance. General Fernández Silvestre’s reckless military advance resulted in defeat by Rif fighters led by Abd el-Krim. Silvestre was killed in combat. While reinforcements restored the situation, the political consequences were severe, leading to an inquiry to determine political and military responsibility.