Spain during World War I



Spain remained neutral throughout World War I between 28 July 1914 and 11 November 1918, but despite domestic economic difficulties, it was considered "one of the most important neutral countries in Europe by 1915". Spain had enjoyed neutrality during the political difficulties of pre-war Europe, and would continue its neutrality after the war until the Spanish Civil War began in 1936. The Spanish prime minister, Eduardo Dato, a Conservative, declared neutrality the same day the war in Europe began. For this he was applauded in the Cortes when they reconvened on 30 October. A few politicians, such as the leader of the Liberal opposition, the Count of Romanones, and Antonio Maura, the leader of the conservative Maurista faction, favoured closer ties with the Allies because of Spain's 1907 pact with Britain and France, which was designed to head off German colonialism in north Africa. The radical reactionary Carlists, however, supported the Central Powers.

While there was no direct military involvement in the war, German forces were interned in Spanish Guinea in late 1915.

Although Spain remained neutral, the war had a significant impact on the construction program of the Spanish Navy. The second and third s, built in Spain between 1910 and 1919, were delayed significantly due to material shortages from Britain. Most importantly, the main battery guns for SPANISH BATTLESHIP Jaime I did not arrive until 1919, after the war had ended. The projected s, which also would have relied heavily on imported guns and armor plate, were cancelled outright after the war started.