The Spanish Restoration Era (1874–1931): Politics, Industrialization, and Social Conflict
The Spanish Restoration System (1874–1931)
The Constitution of 1876 is one of the foundations of the political system of the Restoration in Spain, which lasted from 1874 to 1931. Following the Glorious Revolution of 1868 and several years of political instability, Antonio Cánovas del Castillo restored the monarchy with Alfonso XII to bring stability to the country.
The 1876 Constitution and Political Structure
Cánovas designed a moderate political system that strengthened the power of the monarch and the bourgeoisie, giving the Church an important role. This system also allowed for some reforms, such as the introduction of universal male suffrage in 1890.
The political system relied heavily on the “turno de partidos” (rotation of parties), where the Moderate and Liberal parties alternated in power, often achieved through fraudulent elections.
Economic Development and Social Tensions
The 1876 Constitution helped boost economic development, especially in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country. However, social and political changes, such as the burgeoning workers’ movement, caused significant tensions. Although universal suffrage was introduced, the exclusion of many political groups—such as republicans, socialists, and nationalists—became more evident.
Major Crises and Collapse
The system faced significant crises throughout its duration:
- The 1898 Disaster (loss of Spain’s last colonies).
- The Tragic Week of Barcelona (1909).
- The War in Morocco.
These problems and the system’s inability to provide effective solutions ultimately led to the 1923 coup by Primo de Rivera. The Restoration period included the reign of Alfonso XII, the regency of María Cristina, and the reign of Alfonso XIII, with serious social and political problems towards the end of Alfonso XIII’s rule.
Industrialization and Social Change in Biscay
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rapid industrialization of Biscay (Bizkaia), driven by several key factors:
- The region’s tradition of ironworking.
- The availability of iron ore.
- The proximity of port facilities.
- Economic legislation that encouraged industrial development.
The abolition of the foral framework in 1876 and the introduction of protectionist policies helped boost the competitiveness of Biscayan steel, particularly during World War I, when demand for industrial goods increased significantly.
Impact on Urban Life and Labor
The industrial boom led to significant social changes, including the growth of cities like Bilbao and the creation of new working-class neighborhoods. However, this expansion also resulted in poor housing, inadequate healthcare, and exploitative labor conditions for workers. These conditions sparked widespread worker discontent and the rise of political movements and unions, which eventually led to improvements in workers’ lives, such as the creation of affordable housing.
Cultural Shifts and Regional Identity
As workers migrated from other regions of Spain, tensions arose with the local Basque population, causing a decline in the use of the Basque language and contributing to the rise of Basque nationalism. The shift towards an industrial economy led to the decline of agriculture, and a new urban culture, influenced by Spanish-language media like football and radio, began to take hold. This created a divide between different social classes, which shaped the political climate of the time.
The Rise of Basque Nationalism
The foundational statutes of the Euskeldun Batzokija reflect the strength of the regionalist movement in Spain during the Restoration period (1874–1923), particularly in the Basque Country. This period followed the defeat of Carlist forces and the abolition of the fueros (1876).
Sabino Arana and the PNV
Sabino Arana, a key figure in Basque nationalism, emerged from the Carlist tradition and sought ways to express Basque identity through culture and politics after the defeat. Arana’s political ideas, born out of the loss of the fueros and a desire for Basque independence, gave rise to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) in 1895.
Over time, Basque nationalism evolved from radical, anti-modern views to more practical, liberal positions, attracting diverse social groups. Cultural efforts to preserve the Basque language and culture were institutionalized with organizations like Euskaltzaindia and Eusko Ikaskuntza. During the Second Republic, Basque nationalism established ties with other regional movements in Spain, but these were later suppressed under Franco’s regime after the Spanish Civil War.
The Labor Movement and Socialism
The Restoration period (1874–1923) was marked by a corrupt system led by oligarchies, following the instability of the Revolutionary Sexennium. Industrialization grew in regions like Vizcaya, driven by favorable conditions such as the abolition of foral laws and economic pacts granting autonomy. This led to major social and political changes, including a large influx of migrant workers living in poor conditions, which sparked the rise of the labor movement.
Socialist Organizations in Spain
Socialist ideas spread rapidly, leading to the formation of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) and its union, the General Union of Workers (UGT). Local leaders like Indalecio Prieto organized strikes and political movements.
The labor movement often conflicted with the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), which had strong religious roots. Socialism gained significant influence during the Second Republic and the Civil War and continued to shape Spanish politics during Franco’s regime, ultimately contributing to the restoration of democracy.