Militarism and Civil Society: Emilio Castelar and the Quest for Peace in Spain and Europe

The fall of the First Republic was a bitter disappointment to Emilio Castelar, and confirmed his lifelong opposition to military intervention in the political life of the nation. His reputation as a staunch defender of liberty, civil rights and the rule of law won him the admiration of intellectuals not only in Spain but all over Europe, and he was often asked to lend his voice to the emerging civil-society (i.e., non-state) organizations which were campaigning for peace in Europe in the face of the increasing belligerence of the great powers. Castelar's response to these appeals, while undoubtedly sharing the commitment to peace, was influenced by his primary concern for the internal well-being and order of his own country.