Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer

Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer

The Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer refers to the period in Spanish history from 1930 to 1931, characterized by a softer form of dictatorship following the resignation of Miguel Primo de Rivera. The term "dictablanda" is a play on words, contrasting with "dictadura" (dictatorship), to indicate a less repressive regime.

Background

The Dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera had ruled Spain since 1923, but by 1930, it had lost support from key sectors, including the military, the monarchy, and the public. King Alfonso XIII sought to stabilize the situation by appointing General Dámaso Berenguer as the head of government.

The Berenguer Government

General Dámaso Berenguer was appointed as the Prime Minister of Spain on January 30, 1930. His government was tasked with transitioning Spain back to a constitutional monarchy. However, Berenguer's administration faced significant challenges:

• Political Opposition: Various political groups, including republicans, socialists, and anarchists, opposed the continuation of any form of dictatorship.
• Economic Issues: Spain was affected by the global economic downturn following the Great Depression, leading to increased unemployment and social unrest.
• Loss of Monarchical Support: King Alfonso XIII's association with the previous dictatorship weakened his position, and Berenguer struggled to garner support for the monarchy.

Policies and Reforms

Berenguer attempted to implement several reforms to appease the opposition and stabilize the country:

• Restoration of Constitutional Rights: Efforts were made to restore some constitutional rights suspended during Primo de Rivera's rule.
• Preparation for Elections: Plans were initiated to hold municipal elections as a step towards restoring parliamentary democracy.

Despite these efforts, Berenguer's government was unable to gain widespread support, and his policies were seen as too little, too late.

Collapse and Aftermath

The inability of Berenguer's government to effectively address Spain's political and economic issues led to its downfall. On February 14, 1931, Berenguer resigned, and Admiral Juan Bautista Aznar-Cabañas was appointed to form a new government.

The failure of the "dictablanda" paved the way for the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic on April 14, 1931, following the municipal elections that demonstrated overwhelming support for republican candidates.

Legacy

The Dictablanda of Dámaso Berenguer is often viewed as a transitional period that highlighted the weaknesses of the Spanish monarchy and the growing demand for democratic governance. It set the stage for the political changes that led to the Second Spanish Republic, a period marked by significant social and political reforms.

Also see

• Dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera
• Second Spanish Republic
• Alfonso XIII of Spain
• Great Depression