During the early 20th century, Spain was unhappy with the monarchy due to losses of colonies and wars. This led to a coup in 1923 where Primo de Rivera became dictator and banned political parties. In 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed, establishing reforms like women's suffrage. However, a civil war broke out in 1936 between Republican and Nationalist groups, led by Francisco Franco. Franco emerged victorious in 1939 and established a dictatorship until his death in 1975, repressing opposition and restricting freedoms for several decades.

1. The contemporary age
From Primo de Rivera to Franco

2. Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Who was the king of Spain at the beginning of the 20th
century?
At the beginning of the 20th century Alfonso 13 was king
of Spain.
What were the reasons for the unhappiness of the
Spanish population with the government?
The reasons for the unhappiness of the Spanish
population with the government were the lost of the last
Spanish colonies in Cuba and the Philippines in 1898.
Spain was also defeated in the war with Morocco.

3. Look for a map in which you can see Cuba, another
one with the Philippines and a third one with
Morocco.

4. Dictatorship of Primo de Rivera
Look for a definition, apart from the one that is in the
book, for the word coup d'état.
A sudden and decisive action in politics resulting in a
change of government illegally or by force.
In what year did he become a dictator? Name some of
the things that changed once he took the power. When
did he quit?
He took advantage of the unhappiness of the population
and led a coup in 1923. He assumed all the powers of
the state, abolished the constitution and banned political
parties. The dictator quit in 1930.

5. Spanish Second republic
In what year was the republic proclaimed? Why do we say
"Second" republic?
The second republic was proclaimed in 1931. We say
"second" because there was a republic previously in 1873.
Write some of the reforms implemented during this period.
Some of the reforms were : a new constitution, women
suffrage( the right for women to vote), new state schools were
built, the first statutes of autonomy, land was divided among
the peasants, salaries were raised and the army was
reformed.

6. Spanish Second republic
Who became the first president of this new period?
The first president of this new period was Niceto Alcalá Zamora.
Months later, Manuel Azaña became president.
Look for a photograph showing: the republican flag (bandera),
the republican coat of arms (escudo)

7. In what year were
women aloud to vote for
the first time in Spanish
history?
They were aloud to vote
in 1931, when this right
was recognized in the
Constitution of 1931

8. The Spanish civil war
What happened the 18th July 1936?
General Francisco Franco led a coup against the
republican government.
What were the two groups that were fighting?
The two groups were the republicanos and the
nacionales .
When did the war end?
The war ended in 1939

9. Groups support
Republican
os
Nacionale
s
International
support
Internationa
l support

10. The dictatorship of General Franco
Write some of the characteristics of the new
period.
Some of the characteristics were that there was
no constitution and there was just one political
party and labour union. Many individual liberties
were restricted such as freedom of expression or
freedom to leave the country, political parties
were illegal.

11. The dictatorship of General Franco
We have studied that the dictatorship can be divided into two
periods. Mention them and write some characteristics.
The first years were difficult. Franco repressed the republicans:
they were arrested or killed. Other republicans left Spain and were
exiled (exiliados) from Spain. Spain was internationally isolated
and the population was very poor and there was a lack (falta,
ausencia) of food. Around 1950, the economy improved and
relations with other countries returned to normal. The way of life
for the population improved a little bit more. However, there was
still no democracy.
FRANCO died the 20th of November 1975 and the dictatorship
ended.

12. Franco's dictatorship symbols

13. THREE DIFFERENT FLAGS THROUGHOUT THE 20TH
CENTURY
State flag of the
Second Spanish
Republic
Flag of Spain under
Franco
The
current
flag of
Spain