Spain lost its last colonies in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, Spain experienced both industrial growth in cities and a rural class system. Social unrest occurred. A dictatorship formed in 1923 led by Primo de Rivera. In 1931, the Second Republic began and reforms like land redistribution and women's suffrage passed. However, conflicts grew and in 1936 General Francisco Franco launched a civil war, leading to dictatorship until his death in 1975. The transition to democracy followed, and Spain is now a modern democracy and member of the European Union.

1. 20th Century Spain

2. 1898-1931
oSpain lost its last colonies in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the
Philippines by the end of the 19th Century.
oIn the early 20th Century, some parts of Spain experienced
industrial growth.
oIn the rural areas, peasants worked on the land owned by
landowners. Alternatively in big cities the industrial workers
became a new middle class and working class.
oAt this time, there were social uprisings, such as the 1909 revolt
in Barcelona.
oGeneral Primo de Rivera established a dictatorship in 1923
Key Words
Dictatorship: A country which has a
dictator as a leader. The dictator
holds complete power.
Rural: The countryside
Revolt: The act of trying to change a
government, often using violence.

3. The Second Republic
o1930 marked the end of Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship and elections began.
oIn 1931 Republicans won the local elections and so The Second Republic began.
oMany changes were made:
o Land was shared between the peasants.
o State schools were built.
o Women were given the right to vote. Key Words
State schools: A school that is free to
go to as it is paid for by the
government.

4. The Second Republic
oSome people were happy with these
changes. However others didn't agree with
the new polices.
oThe conflicts became violent and some
people, including politicians were
assassinated.
Key Words
Assassinate: To kill somebody
important.
Conflict in 1931

5. The Civil War 1936-1939
oGeneral Francisco Franco led a military against the Republic in 1936. This started a civil war.
The Republicans controlled the
north, center and east of Spain.
They also held most big cities.
The Nationalists supported
General Franco and controlled
more rural areas in the south
and north west of Spain.
oThe Nationalist army won many victories and over time, occupied most of Spain. First
Barcelona fell in January 1939 with Madrid following in March.
oThe war ended on 1st April 1939.

6. The Dictatorship of Francisco Franco
(1939-1975)
oIn the time after the war, many people who went against
Franco were imprisoned or executed.
oFranco now controlled all of the powers of the state.
oDuring his Dictatorship;
o Political parties and trade unions were illegal. Only those
controlled by the government were allowed.
o Freedom of expression and other individual liberties were
restricted.
Francisco Franco

7. oIn the beginning, Spain was isolated and many Spanish workers
migrated to other countries.
oIn the 1960’s economic growth began which included the
growth of the tourist industry.
oThe transition to democracy started in 1975 when General
Franco died.
The Dictatorship of Francisco Franco
(1939-1975)
Francisco Franco

8. The transition to democracy
oJuan Carlos I, Alfonso XIII’s grandson, was selected as king of Spain in
1975. Two years later King Juan Carlos I selected Adolfo Suarez as
President of the government.
oDuring this time;
o Political parties and trade unions were legalized.
o Democratic elections were held (The first elections since 1936).
o The majority of the Spanish population as well as the Parliament approved a
new constitution.
o Serious economic and political problems continued. This included terrorist
attacks.
The Spanish Constitution
Key Words
Constitution: This is a set of principles that a government
must follow.

9. Spain’s modern democracy
oSince 1982 Spain has been governed by both the Spanish
Socialist Party and the Popular Party.
oThere have been many changes;
o Spain became a member of the European Union.
o The Spanish State was organized into seventeen Autonomous
Communities and two Autonomous Cities
oIt is now a modern and prosperous country.
The European Union flag.

10. 20th Century culture
Literature
This was the time of the
‘Generation of ‘27’ which
included poets such as Jorge
Guillen.
This was a group of poets who
experimented with new forms
of art and culture.
Architecture
During the 20th Century, many
original buildings were
designed such as the cathedral
of the Sagrada Familia in
Barcelona designed by Antoni
Gaudi.
Painting and sculpture
Pablo Picasso created many
pieces as one of the most
famous artists in the world.
Cinema
The film director Luis Bunuel
became a worldwide star.
The Segrada Familia
Head of a woman by
Picasso

11. 20th Century Society
There have been many changes in Spanish society since the dictatorship ended;
oDivorce is now allowed
oWomen can study at university and work. They are allowed to be totally independent and own
their own property.
oSpain is now more connected with the rest of the world. Today there are immigrants in Spain
from all over the world.

12. Resources
oEssential Science 6, Richmond publishing.