Adolfo Posada’s Krauso-positivist project of social and political reform: its impact on Spain, Argentina and Uruguay*

Abstract

Abstract Asturian Adolfo Posada, one of Spain’s leading intellectuals at the turn of the twentieth century, has remained largely unknown. This article uncovers the originality and significance of his theory of the State, in which Krausism merged with social positivism, and his endeavour to establish modern research universities that would form responsible elites and disseminate culture among workers. Intellectual leadership was to ‘Europeanize’ and regenerate the crisis–ridden country and, after 1898, build new relations with Hispanoamerica. The article argues that Posada’s polity and policy suggestions, while limited in their effects on Spain, had significant impact on Argentina and Uruguay.