The Spanish Monarchy’s Fall: Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship
Introduction
The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera aimed to utilize a new system of governance. Primo de Rivera was replaced by an authoritarian model. However, authoritarianism did not solve the problems of the state. In addition, it ultimately ended the monarchy.
The Putsch
On September 13, 1923, Rivera’s cousin rose against the government in Barcelona, publishing a manifesto in newspapers the next day. He justified the coup by citing the crisis of the Restoration. He included Regeneracionista language as a temporary solution.
The government resigned upon learning the facts, and on the 15th, the King appointed Primo de Rivera as the sole leader of an interim government.
There were two main reactions: support and passivity.
He had the support of the Catalan bourgeoisie and the upper classes. The church was opposed, as were the anarchists and communists. The general population and, initially, the political parties were passive.
Military Directory (1923-1925)
Starting on the 13th, the Military Directory was advisory and consisted of military personnel. Its aim was to solve the problems of the Restoration.
- The first solution was to remove the parliamentary system by closing Parliament, suspending the Constitution, and prohibiting political parties. All powers were then concentrated in Primo de Rivera.
- A crackdown on the opposition was carried out.
- An administrative reform was conducted.
- The civil government was replaced by a military government.
- Instead of councils, boards of representatives were created.
Some additional problems had to be overcome:
- Nationalism: Centralism was applied, which manifested as anti-Catalan sentiment. The Catalan language, signs, and symbols were prohibited. The opposition reacted strongly in favor of Catalan identity.
- The problem in Morocco: The French joined to carry out a landing that would eventually subdue the Moroccans.
Once these problems were addressed, Primo de Rivera decided to stay in power to try to stabilize the regime.
Civil Directory (1925-1930)
With the Civil Directory, Primo de Rivera intended to break from traditional politicians. To provide a foundation for the system, he needed a set of policy measures. He established the Patriotic Union. In 1927, he called for a National Consultative Assembly. The main objective was to create a legislative assembly. These measures cost him dearly because politicians turned against the monarchy, which had supported Primo de Rivera.
Economic Policy
A policy of direct state intervention began. The state helped some sectors with subsidies. In addition, public works projects, such as the construction of roads and dams, were carried out. Certain monopolies were also established. The two most important were CAMPSA (for petroleum) and Telefónica (for telecommunications). At the same time, there was a promotion of agriculture and tourism. These reforms were possible thanks to the context of the time, the prosperous 1920s. However, the state faced financial problems with a large deficit.
Social Policy
Social peace was maintained through repression and aid to the poorest. Repression was directed mainly at anarchists and communists. Public works accounted for a decline in unemployment. In addition, a “social policy” aimed at improving the lives of the population was implemented.
Opposition to the Dictatorship
Initially, there was not much opposition; moreover, there was support or passivity. The opposition was led primarily by intellectuals, as well as anarchists and communists. Since 1926, opposition grew. It included not only intellectuals but also politicians. At first, politicians temporarily left Primo de Rivera alone, but with the introduction of the new regime, they saw their jobs in jeopardy. In addition, other difficulties appeared, such as opposition from entrepreneurs. Even some members of the military joined the opposition.
The people, in most cases, finally opted to establish republicanism as a solution to the crisis. In addition to losing the support of the people, Primo de Rivera also lost the support of the King. Without support, he resigned in 1930.
Fall of the Monarchy
The King’s aim was to attempt a new restoration. He first appointed Dámaso Berenguer and, following his failure, Aznar.
Dámaso Berenguer
Berenguer was tasked with returning to the Restoration, with the constitution, laws, etc. But this was not to be, as the opposition had continued to grow. Republicanism had spread to the right, and in 1930, republicans, socialists, and nationalists met in San Sebastián in the so-called Pact of San Sebastián. The monarchy had few options remaining. A revolutionary committee was formed with the goal of restoring the republic.
Aznar (February-April 1931)
Aznar called for municipal elections because it was easier to control votes in the municipalities. The problem was that these elections were presented as a plebiscite on republicanism. The results of these elections led to the withdrawal of the King and the proclamation of the Second Republic.
Conclusion
The Primo de Rivera dictatorship tried to solve the problems of the Restoration and establish authoritarian rule. As a result, it brought an end to the monarchy itself.