Modernismo: 1882-1914 y La Ciudad de las Letras

Modernismo (1882-1914)

• Began with José Martí's publication of Ismaelillo in 1882
• Ended with the creation of the Panama Canal by Roosevelt
• Emphasized artistic freedom
• Rejected vulgarity, embraced formal perfection
• Celebrated cosmopolitanism and diverse artistic influences (painting, music, sculpture)
• Appreciated exquisite, picturesque, and exotic themes
• Focused on capturing impressions rather than literal descriptions
• Considered a universal crisis in literature, a hybrid of past and present
• Artists reacted against positivism (materialism), seeking alternative expressions.
• Utilized symbolism and metaphor, blending modern and pre-modern elements.
• Included diverse cultural references, including Greek and Oriental mythology.
• A period of industrialization and international capitalism influenced literary focus.
• The "City of Letters" (Angel Rama) explored various aspects of urban life.

The City of Letters (Ángel Rama)

• Examined concepts of urban order, literary representation, and the evolution of urban spaces
• Emphasized the importance of writing in establishing social and political order in Latin America.

Two Political Parties

• Liberals (advocated for free markets and economic liberty)
• Conservatives (prioritized national protection and economic control)

Central American Issues

• Panama was a part of Colombia
• The United States desired a canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, seeking territorial expansion.
• Nicaragua possessed a potential canal route through a lake
• The U.S. decision to support a particular faction aided in securing the Panama Canal project

Spanish Generation of 1898

• Composed of prominent Spanish authors reacting to the 1898 Spanish-American War
• Included figures like Azorín, Miguel de Unamuno, and Ramón del Valle-Inclán
• Focused on intellectual, aesthetic, and philosophical regeneration of Spain, rather than political issues.

Alfonso XIII (1902-1931) and the Second Republic (1931-1936)

• Political crises, labor movements, and religious aspects shaped the Spanish political landscape
• Increased union membership and socialist/anarchist support.
• The rise of military power and nationalist ideologies in Spain during this era.
• Loss of confidence in Spanish military effectiveness due to events like military mishaps in Morocco.
• Concerns about the role of the military in government and national politics.
• Social and political instability contributed to the rise of activism and unrest.

The 1913 Spanish Perspective

• Spain was neutral during World War I
• Spain's economy benefited from the increased global demand during the war.
• Post-war inflation that negatively affected wages and increased social unrest and tensions.

1923 Coup

• Miguel Primo de Rivera led a military coup, leading to a brief dictatorship.
• Driven by a desire to impose order and deal with social issues, leading to the 1923 regime.
• Focus on repressing political opposition, censoring media, and imposing authoritarian measures.

Directory Military Era (1923-1925)

• The military was instrumental in governing Spain, with censorship and repression of social elements.
• Increased military power, supported by landowners and industrialists.

Directory Civil Era (1925-1930)

• The regime institutionalized the dictatorship, making it a legitimate government.
• Labor union organizations and cultural expressions were suppressed, leading to labor unrest.
• Investments in infrastructure projects (like roads, irrigation, and power lines).

1931: The Second Republic

• Republicans, socialists, and nationalists formed a provisional government.
• Election to constituent Cortes to draft a new constitution, indicating a shift towards a more democratic framework.
• Initial political coalition sought to address societal unrest and tensions by balancing diverse interests.
• Increased political instability
• The Second Republic aimed for political reforms and societal change.
• Initial reforms encountered resistance, including from landowners, the military, and the Catholic Church.

The 1933 Biennium

• The Radical-Cedista or conservative government came to power.
• This era highlighted political shifts and tensions, leading to social unrest and a weakening of democratic support.
• The political response was often marked by repression and sometimes violent confrontations with opposing groups.
• Significant political transitions, economic crises, and social unrest created political instability.

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

• A military uprising led by Francisco Franco initiated the civil war.
• The conflict resulted in widespread violence and social division, with the war ultimately being won by Franco.
• The war had deep socio-political implications, affecting different countries worldwide and creating great instability.
• Franco's victory brought widespread political and societal changes in Spain.

Este cuestionario explora el Modernismo en la literatura, desde su inicio con José Martí hasta la creación del Canal de Panamá. Se analiza la libertad artística, el simbolismo y la influencia de diversas culturas en la obra de Ángel Rama. Adéntrate en un período de crisis literaria, industrialización y cambios cosmopolitas que definieron esta era.