A Recent History of Spain

In an attempt to finally end the Carlist wars, it was agreed that a foreign prince would become King of Spain. After many (many) attempts for find a suitable and willing candidate (that last being the sticking point) Prince Amadeo of Savoy, a younger son of the King of Italy was persuaded/bullied into accepting the role. Formally elected by the General Courts (The Spanish Parliament) in 1870. Amadeus' short reign was marred by the divisions that had become entrenched over the preceding 40 years. After two years of getting nowhere, and repeated threats against the lives of himself and his family, Amadeus finally had enough. He abdicated in February 1873 before the General Courts. He declared Spain and the Spanish to be ungovernable, and walked out. Later that same day, the First Spanish Republic was declared.

An informal political arrangement where by the conservative and liberal parties in Spain would take turns to wield power. Modeled on the more organic system of the UK, and a compromise effort to keep the peace, the system functioned well as this until the crisis year of 1919, then was abolished by General Primo de Rivera on his seizure of power in 1923.

After the forced resignation of Primo de Rivera Damasus Berenguer is appointed Prime Minister by the King with the aim of restoring the previous political system as though de Rivera's dictatorship had never happened. Unable to do this, he resigned after thirteen months.

The Second Spanish Republic is the second opportunity for Spanish republicans to make their case. However it has not gone well. Spain's fractious society becomes ever more bitterly divided as old rivalries, disputed elections, corruption, persecution, and eventual outright murder tear what remains of Spain's political fabric apart.

The Miners' revolt of October 1934 was, charactarised as a strike by those in sympathy with it. Was the result of a year of class conflict and agitation following the 1933 Spanish elections; and a revolt against the CEDA. who had finally forced their way into participation in the Spanish Government a year after winning the 1933 election. Facing a civil war, the Government called in the elite of Spain's armed forces, the Army of Africa at the advice of Division General Francis Franco-Bahamonde. Though command of the operation went to Genera Edward Lopez-Ochoa. More than 400 soldiers and 1,500 to 2,000 rebels would be killed in the fighting by the end of the strike.