Alfonso XIII

Alfonso XIII became King of Spain at birth, as his father Alfonso XII had died. His mother Maria Cristina served as regent until he came of age in 1902.

During Alfonso XIII's minority, Spain lost the Spanish-American War, ceding Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. This disaster led to the Generation of '98 and a crisis of national identity.

Spanish forces suffered a catastrophic defeat at Annual in Morocco, with thousands killed by Rifian rebels. The disaster severely damaged the monarchy's prestige and led to political crisis.

Alfonso XIII supported General Miguel Primo de Rivera's coup, which established a military dictatorship. The king's association with the dictatorship further eroded support for the monarchy.

After the Republican victory in municipal elections, Alfonso XIII left Spain without abdicating. The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed, and he lived in exile until his death in 1941.