The Crisis of Authority in the Rif War

This chapter examines the political upheaval in Spain following setbacks in the Rif War, spotlighting General Miguel Primo de Rivera's rise to power amid a parliamentary crisis. It also explores the Republic of the Rift established by Abdel Krim, emphasizing the intertwining of military tactics and personal narratives in the careers of figures like Francisco Franco. Additionally, the chapter critiques the colonial warfare strategies employed by Spain and France, including the controversial use of chemical weapons and the involvement of American pilots, while highlighting the war's significant but often overlooked historical implications.