Even as Spain has accumulated a relatively vibrant and decorated history—from emerging colonies after the discovery of the new world in the 15th century to Spanish losses to European nations, particularly the British during the 1800s—much of its political history and development of national identity have occurred within the 20th century.
Throughout its history, Spain has repeatedly demonstrated a high degree of political disassociation and dissatisfaction with its leaders. Though originally established as a traditional monarchial government, political unrest and upheaval in the 1870s and later in the early 1920s (led by Gen. Miguel Primo de Rivera) ensured the downfall of this established system and the transition to a non-political, military government. However, only seven years later in 1930, Primo de Rivera, who had restored constitutional rule and became Prime Minister in 1925, resigned, allowing for the advent of Republican control over Spain. At the same time, a progressive and somewhat liberal Constitution was enacted, incorporating the separation of Church and state, and autonomy for the Basque Country and Catalonia. Many believed this to be the end of political unrest within the country.
Much to the dismay of its people, dissatisfaction with governmental rule would soon follow, and after the assassination of monarchist politician José Calvo Sotelo, the political uprising sponsored by Gen. Francisco Franco would be initiated. Franco and his supporters, including the Roman Catholic Church and monarchists, would pave way for the Spanish Civil War of 1936. Just three years later and with support from both Germany and Italy, Franco accepted the surrender of the Republican government, and now under control of Spain, refused to enter WWII. Even as referendums by the Spanish people showed popular support for the reestablishment of the monarchy, Franco ignored most of his public’s requests. Though Spain was permitted to join the United Nations in 1955, serious political upheaval remained in the country through the 1960s.
Finally, in 1969, Franco appointed Juan Carlos de Borbón (Bourbon), grandson of Alfonso XIII, as his political successor. Just six years later, after Franco’s death, Juan Carlos oversaw the establishment of democratic regime. After elections in 1977, the varying political organizations within Spain agreed on a constitution in December of 1978—for the most part silencing the political unrest present for most of the 20th century. Even so, radical political groups have remained within Spain, such as the ETA, whose Marxist-Leninist ideals still appeal to some of the public.
However, Spain's tumultuous history during the 20th century only scratches the surface of political and social complexity within the country. The Spanish public has only recently begun to recognize the Arab occupation of Spain during the Middle Ages-a realization that has only been reached in the past 200 years. The Spanish Civil War only aided in complicating the political and social aspects of the country, and resulted in the complete stagnation of Spain's economy. Though it may have never entered a World War, the political unrest and instability within the country aided in the advent of World War II, further tarnishing the country's image abroad.
With the arrival of the 21st century, Spain has appeared to be relatively stable politically, socially, and economically. After relative economic depression from the 1940s-early 1990s, Spain’s economy grew at a pace greater than that of most of its European counterparts through the year 2000, proving that stability often allows for rapid expansion and growth. Still, Spain’s economy continues to expand and fewer anarchists remain today than twenty years ago. As long as the constitutional monarchy within Spain continues to allow the public’s voice to be heard, and the government continues to recognize the country's storied history and unique social structure, it appears poised for future growth.
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