Lesson 1 – Spain in 1931

What comes to mind when you think of Spain?

Michael Portillo ‘…for most us Spain is a place we visit to forget the troubles of the world. However, throughout Spain tens of thousands of bodies lie in unmarked graves, victims of a bloody civil war and a brutal dictatorship’

Lesson 1 – Spain in 1931 Lesson Objective: To understand the causes of the many problems that affected Spain in 1931 Key Words: Latifundia – Large estates owned by rich merchants and businessmen who were concerned only to make profit from investment, not in the welfare of their workers Great Depression – A major economic depression, originating in America in 1929 and lasting until the early 1940s Cortes – A single chamber consisting of elected representatives from all Spain’s regions. Like British House of Commons

A ‘Powder Keg’? Problems faced by Spain The Church Monarchy The army Regional Nationalists Anarchists Economy

Political Culture of Spain pre ‘31 4 civil wars between Deeply divided on politics, class, religion, and national identity Church and old land owning class did not want change – crushed 3 reformist governments in 1856, 1874, and 1923 No democratic culture: Aristocrat had no respect for individual rights and Church stressed community, shared values and submission to authority Middle class (democratic) was small and supported the aristocracy and would oppose working class strikes and peasant risings 1923 middle class supported the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera

Activity - Long Term Causes of the Civil War Read chapter 1 – Make notes on each of the problems Spain faced indicated on the spider diagram

Economy Backward, primitive, underdeveloped ½ pop. Impoverished South – farming carried out on latifundia = hardship North – some industrial development but widespread poverty meant little demand for goods – Wages low, conditions poor, no social care, basic amenities barely existed in most cities New Republic spent on public works schemes = debt Great Depression hit Spain hard, unemployment very high, demand for goods down

Monarchy Constitutional monarchy 1837 but many monarch didn’t accept this (Queen Isabella) Isabella disregard for constitutional government and her notorious private life led to her overthrow and exile in 1870 First Republic ( ) overthrown in military coup – Isabella’s son Alfonso XII placed on throne Alfonso =strong ruler who was popular with elites and most of the people 1885 Alfonso XII dies and infant son Alfonso XIII made King – Poor leader, little regard for constitutional government, not interested in tackling the social and economic problems of Spain

Church Linked strongly to ruling regime By 1931 out of touch with developments and changes in Europe Ignored the papacy progressive social policies and backed interests of industrialists and great landowners (not surprising due to wealth of church) 1914 religious orders controlled 1/3 of Spain’s wealth – owned railways and banks – ‘Money is a good Catholic’ Its ties to monarchy and elites caused it lose the hearts and minds of the people Powerful tradition of anti-clericalism, which often exploded into attacks on church property (see Tragic Week) – Not surprising the radical governments of would pass laws to reduce the Church’s role in society (anti-clericalism central theme of 2 nd Republic ) Complete control over education – Church studies favoured (50% illiterate)

Army Army dominated by conservative and aristocratic officers – represented existing elites Despised by most Spanish Disproportionally large - 1 in 10 were officers and ¼ budget went to fund army Support declined after 3 events: 1.Loss of Spanish American War 1898 – Spain no longer a colonial power at time when others expanded their power 2.Tragic Week (25 July – 2 August 1909) Barcelona: rioters (mostly anarchists) burn church property. Army kills 175 civilians resulting in growth of forces opposed to the monarchy and system of government 3.Defeat a Battle of Annual 1921 – defeated by Moroccan tribesmen: 10,000 killed By 1931 Army didn’t have a role – many within the army shaped their own ‘role’ as defenders of Spain against internal and external enemies

Anarchists Widespread discontent found outlet here Sought overthrow of any system of central government Intended to create a universal brotherhood of workers and peasants, which would co-operate in harmony Increasing popular and well organized after 1910 when anarchists setup a trade union, the CNT Banned in the 1920 but would emerge as a major force during the 2 nd Republic

Nationalists and Separatists Geographically divided by mountains Basques– northern region on French border, speaks Basque. Nationalism developed in early 20 th century – repressed Catalonia – north-east region, speaks Catalan, long tradition of resisting control from Madrid – Lliga: separatist political party demands self- government – Wealthier industrial region (boomed during WWI) that resisted high taxes = middle class and wealth Catalans demand greater autonomy or independence

The end of the Spanish monarchy: 1931 Though Spain was a constitutional monarchy, Alfonso XIII preferred to work with the military elite – In constant conflict with successive governments – Strong attachment to the Church shows how ‘out of touch’ he was with Spain and its problems Opposition to the monarchy and Alfonso personally grew in 1920s King gave his support to General Primo de Rivera, who overthrew the constitutional governments in Sept an instituted a dictatorship which lasted until 1930

“My Mussolini” King Alfonso XIII on Primo De Rivera. Alfonso XIIIGen Miguel Primo De Rivera

The End of the Monarchy 1931 The dictatorship of Rivera ends in 1930 but the King did not restore constitutional rule – he appointed another military government 1931 monarchy identified with military rule and destruction of constitutional government April elections = massive Republican and Socialist gains After the election the King asks army if they support him. They do not. Alfonso leaves Spain