19^th Century Spain

• Slow modernization
• Collapse of empire
• conservative government
• oligarchical rule

1900 - 1923

• rise of anarcho-syndicalism
• conservative, oligarchical parties dominated the Cortes (parliament)
• elections were rigged
• increasingly more literate population

1923-1930

• urban and rural unrest leads to military dictatorship of Gen. Miguel Primo de Rivera. Alliance between the military and the monarchy (King Alfonso XIII)
• parliament is closed. Military rules for first time in Spanish history.
• Primo de Rivera is a weak dictator: economy collapses and diabetes
• 1930: King places Gen. Dámaso Berenguer in power. Proves weak as well.
• Republican parties gather in San Sebastian on 17 August 1930; form alliance with Socialists and produce a provisional government led by the Republican Manuel Azaña.

1931

• Republicans swept to electoral victory early in 1931. King leaves Spain without abdicating. Niceto Alcalá Zamora becomes prime minister; Azaña, Min. of War.
• New government a coalition among Republic Left, Center-Left, & the Socialists. Most came from the intellectual or professional classes.