Tragic Week of 1909

The Tragic Week of 1909 was a significant period of civil unrest in Barcelona, Spain. It began when troops were called up for military operations in Morocco. This mobilization sparked widespread public disorder, particularly in Barcelona, where anarchists and Radical Republicans initiated violent actions, including the burning of churches and monasteries.1

The unrest led to a political crisis, resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Antonio Maura. King Alfonso XIII's decision to accept the resignation, rather than support Maura's firm repression, was seen as a move to protect the monarchy by allowing the Liberal Party, allied with Republicans, to act as a "lightning conductor" for the growing threats from the left. The events of the Tragic Week highlighted the deep social and political divisions within Spain at the time, contributing to the rise of organizations like the National Confederation of Labor (CNT).12