When was Alfonso XIII born and how did his reign begin?
Alfonso XIII was born on the 17th of May 1886. His reign began before he drew his first breath when Prime Minister Práxedes Mateo Sagasta received him naked on a silver tray.
Questions about Alfonso XIII
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened during the wedding of Alfonso XIII to Princess Victoria Eugenie in 1906?
Catalan anarchist Mateu Morral threw a bomb from a window at the Royal Monastery of San Jerónimo on the 31st of May 1906. Thirty bystanders died while one hundred others were wounded, but the royal couple survived because their carriage was lined with bulletproof material developed by Polish inventor Jan Szczepanik.
Why is the 1918 flu pandemic known as the Spanish Flu?
Spain faced no wartime censorship restrictions so King Alfonso XIII's illness and recovery were reported globally while outbreaks in belligerent countries were concealed. This created a misleading impression that Spain suffered most heavily and caused the pandemic to be named after the country.
How did Alfonso XIII contribute to the Rif War and what was the result?
King Alfonso XIII supported generals like Manuel Fernández Silvestre who advanced into the Rif mountains during the war from 1920 to 1926. He sent a telegram urging them not to retreat before they led men into the Battle of Annual which became one of Spain's worst defeats.
When did Alfonso XIII leave power and why was he labeled guilty of high treason?
Republican coalitions won sweeping majorities in municipal elections on the 12th of April 1931 leading to his flight from the country and the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic on the 14th of April 1931. Constituent Republican Cortes held debates in November 1931 and passed an act labeling him guilty of high treason due to his political responsibilities.
What is known about the pornographic films commissioned by Alfonso XIII?
Alfonso XIII promoted and collected Spanish pornographic films through Barcelona production company Royal Films between forty and seventy times. Three have been preserved while most were destroyed during Franco's regime and they screened in Barcelona's Chinatown and during private viewings.