Spanish colonialism during primo de Rivera's dictatorship

Abstract

In September 1923, when Miguel Primo de Rivera became dictator, the Moroccan problem was the crux of Spanish foreign policy and the catalyst for political and social domestic problems, as it had been for constitutional governments during the reign of Alfonso XIII. The gruelling Rif war against the traditionally warring tribes that in 1921 had come together under the leadership of Abd el‐Krim was consuming the country's human and material resources and becoming a nightmare that aggravated all other conflicts. It was, however, Spain's presence in Morocco that provided its only chance of playing any sort of role in the international arena. This article tackles the complex process that led to the resolution of the Rif conflict, undoubtedly the greatest success achieved by the Primo de Rivera dictatorship.