Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer

Dámaso Berenguer Fusté

Bundesarchiv Bild 102-09411, Primo de Rivera und der König von Spanien

Niceto Alcalá-Zamora (cropped).jpg

Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer

The Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer refers to the period of Spanish history from January 1930 to February 1931, during which General Dámaso Berenguer served as the head of government. This period followed the resignation of Miguel Primo de Rivera, who had established a dictatorship in Spain from 1923 to 1930. The term "dictablanda" is a play on words, combining "dictadura" (dictatorship) with "blanda" (soft), to indicate a softer, less repressive form of authoritarian rule.

Background

The resignation of Miguel Primo de Rivera in January 1930 marked the end of his military dictatorship. King Alfonso XIII appointed General Dámaso Berenguer as the new head of government, hoping to transition back to a more constitutional form of governance. However, Berenguer's government struggled to gain legitimacy and faced significant opposition from various political factions.

Political Climate

During the Dictablanda, Spain experienced significant political instability. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), the Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC), and other republican and socialist groups increased their activities, calling for the establishment of a Second Spanish Republic. The Anarchist Federation of Iberia (FAI) and the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) also intensified their efforts to mobilize the working class against the government.

Economic Conditions

The economic situation in Spain during the Dictablanda was challenging. The Great Depression had a severe impact on the Spanish economy, leading to high unemployment and widespread social unrest. The government's inability to address these economic issues further eroded its support.

End of the Dictablanda

The Dictablanda came to an end in February 1931 when General Berenguer resigned. His resignation paved the way for the appointment of Admiral Juan Bautista Aznar-Cabañas as the new head of government. However, the political situation continued to deteriorate, leading to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in April 1931.

Legacy

The Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer is often seen as a transitional period between the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera and the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic. It is remembered for its attempts to restore constitutional governance and its failure to address the pressing economic and social issues of the time.

See also

• Miguel Primo de Rivera
• Second Spanish Republic
• Alfonso XIII of Spain
• Great Depression
• Spanish Socialist Workers' Party
• Republican Left of Catalonia
• Anarchist Federation of Iberia
• Confederación Nacional del Trabajo