Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja, Miguel

Primo de Rivera y Orbaneja, Miguel (b. 8 Jan. 1870, d. 16 Mar. 1930). Spanish dictator 1923–30 Born in Jerez de la Frontera, he graduated from the military academy of Toledo and was commissioned in 1889. Thanks to his family connections, quick mind, and courage, he became brigadier-general in 1911. His outspokenness in political matters forced his career into a temporary lull, but also won him increased standing within the army. In 1923, he instigated a military coup against the weak and discredited civilian regime, with the tacit support of the King, Alfonso XIII. He consolidated his support through successfully ending the war in Morocco and defeating Abd al-Krim. Extensive economic planning, e.g. through subsidies and public works, led to a temporary truce with the working-class movement and the moderate trade unions. Ultimately, however, his programmes of modernization of the economy and of the army lost him the support of the two pillars of his regime: the landowning elite and the military. He was thus compelled to resign weeks before his death in exile (Paris). The legacy of his rule was ambivalent. It enabled the creation of a republic through completely discrediting the monarchy, while also providing an inspiration to the Falange, which was founded by his son Antonio.