Anarchist Ideology and the Working-Class Movement in Spain, 1868-1898

George R. Esenwein

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Year: 2023
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9780520334410
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: European History
• Index: History

This book delves into the rich history of Spanish anarchism, tracing its development from its early roots in the late 19th century through the Spanish Civil War. Often viewed through a lens of revolution, violence, and rural rebellion, Spanish anarchism has long captivated historians and students of European history. While much focus has been placed on the period from 1936-1939, this work turns its attention to the often-overlooked earlier stages, particularly the late 19th century. By examining this complex movement, the book challenges long-standing interpretations that frame Spanish anarchism as merely a millenarian or pre-political ideology, offering instead a nuanced understanding of its evolution and ideological framework. Drawing on both historical and ideological perspectives, this study breaks new ground by questioning the prevailing millenarian thesis and providing a closer look at the intellectual and political dimensions of the movement. From the influence of figures like Bakunin and the rise of syndicalism, to the profound shifts in strategy and tactics within the anarchist movement, the book explores how anarchism carved out a unique space in Spain's political landscape. This comprehensive approach highlights the diversity of anarchism's adherents, from landless laborers to middle-class intellectuals, and its lasting impact on Spain's political history.

This title was originally published in 1989.

Many titles in the Voices Revived program are also newly available as ebooks, offered at a discounted price to support wider access to scholarly work.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Abbreviations
• Introduction
• CHAPTER I The Origins of the First International in Spain
• CHAPTER II The Struggle for an Ideology: Federalism versus Bakuninism
• CHAPTER III The International and the Collapse of the Republic, 1871—1873
• CHAPTER IV The Spanish Federation in the Period of Repression, 1874—1881
• CHAPTER V Anarchism and the Restoration: The Growth and Decline of the FTRE
• CHAPTER VI The Development of a Schism: The Origins of the Collectivist/ Communist Controversy
• CHAPTER VII The Demise of the FTRE and the Emergence of Anarchist Associational Life
• CHAPTER VIII Anarquismo sin Adjetivos
• CHAPTER IX The Haymarket Tragedy, the Origins of May Day, and Their Impact on the Anarchist Movement
• CHAPTER X Terrorism and the Anarchist Movement, 1892—1894
• CHAPTER XI The Aftermath of Repression, 1894—1898
• Epilogue
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index