Page 70 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

68  INTRODUCING SP AIN

Republicans and Anarchists

Spain’s First Republic lasted only a year (1873) and consumed
four presidents. The late 19th century was a time of national
decline, with Anarchism developing in reaction to rampant
political corruption. The loss of Cuba, in 1898, was a low point
for Spain, although there was a flurry of literary and artistic
activity in the following years. The country’s increasing
in stability was briefly checked by the dictatorship of Primo The Legacy of Spanish
Colonization in 1900
de Rivera. Spanish politics, however, were becoming Spanish­speaking territories
polarized. Alfonso XIII was forced to abdicate and the
ill-fated Second Republic was declared in 1931.

Anarchist
Propaganda
Anarchism was
idealistic, though
often violent. This
poster states,
“Anarchist books Workers unite,
are weap ons calling for radical
against Fascism”. social reform.

Pío Baroja
Baroja (1872–1956) was
one of the most gifted
novelists of his day. He was
too original to be grouped Power to the People
with the writers of the Political protest was rife under the Second
Generation of 1898, Republic, as shown by this Communist
who tried to create a demonstration in the Basque Country in
national renaissance 1932. Industrial workers banded together,
after the loss of forming trade unions to demand better
Spain’s colonies. pay and working conditions, and staging
strikes. The Spanish Communist Party
developed later than the Anarchists,
but eventually gained more support.

1873 First Republic’s last 1897 Prime
Declaration president, Emilio 1888 Universal Exhibition Minister Cánovas
of First Castelar (1832–99) in Barcelona creates new del Castillo
Republic, buildings and parks, such assassinated by an
lasting only as the Parc de la Ciutadella Italian Anarchist
one year
1870 1880 1890 1900
1875 Second Bourbon 1898 Cuba and
restoration puts Philippines gain
Alfonso XII on throne 1893 Anarchists independence from
bomb opera­ Spain following
1870–75 Third Alfonso XII and goers in the the Spanish­
Carlist War Queen María Barcelona Liceu American War

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