Between Freedom and Order. The Constitutional Crisis in Spain at the End of the Restoration (1917-1919)

Abstract

Between Freedom and Order. The Constitutional Crisis in Spain at the End of the Restoration (1917-1919)

The 1876 Spanish Constitution, despite including a provision for suspending guarantees, left a great deal of political discretion in its application. This power was often abused, especially during the 1917-1919 crisis. The establishment of a state of exception at that time had to appease the elites who supported this regime. While the government justified its actions by citing the constitution, the opposition constantly accused it of violating the document’s liberal principles. The ambiguity surrounding the suspension of rights, particularly freedom of the press and speech, led to heated debates about the legitimacy of government actions. An analysis of the relationship between central and local authorities reveals that local officials were not merely passive enforcers of central policies. Instead, they played an active role, often reflecting the concerns of a political system gradually collapsing.

Received: 2024/11/15

Admitted: 2024/12/16