History ETDs

R. M. Carden

Publication Date

4-4-1970

Abstract

This paper presents a description and analysis of German diplomatic policy toward Spain during the First World War. In four stages, from August 1914 through October 1918, Berlin used adroit diplomacy and an effective propaganda network to encourage Spain to remain neutral. Conservative Spanish politicians, including King Alfonso XIII, feared that participation in the war would unsettle Spain’s domestic political structure and, therefore, wanted to remain outside of the maelstrom. Nevertheless, the King used the world crisis to further his aim of returning Spain to the status of a Great Power; Germany encouraged the King’s dreams.

The four stages of German-Spanish relations included a pro-German phase from August 1914 to September 1916, a time of tension in the fall of 1916 through April 1917, deteriorating relations over interned German submarines from May 1917 through March 1918, and finally sharp Spanish demands for indemnities for ships sunk by German submarines. Conciliatory diplomacy and constant use of German propaganda augmented Spanish forced that argued for strict neutrality, a policy that would benefit Germany.

In the interim, the Allies pressured Spain economically and diplomatically from September 1916 through March 1918 to abandon any hint of a pro-German attitude. Eventually, internal dissension and the need to remain within the British and French economic orbits caused Madrid to decide for a benevolent neutrality in favor of the Entente. Berlin, in the meantime, remained conciliatory, refusing to break relations, although the provocation in Madrid was severe.

Significantly, Spain, a leading European neutral, was not a direct participant in the war, and she was not completely favorable to the Allies until late in the struggle. German diplomatic subtlety and skill, an effective and far-reaching propaganda network, and Spanish pragmatism all accounted for this result. In contrast to her relations with other major neutrals, Germany conducted a friendly policy toward Spain and avoided a break with Madrid.

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Robert William Kern

Second Committee Member

Jake W. Spidle

Third Committee Member

M. Jane Slaughter

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

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