The generation of '98 was formed by writers and thinkers born in Spain between 1864 and 1878.
The Latin word generatio came to our language generation . This term has several meanings: in this case, we are interested in its meaning as the set of individuals who were born on similar dates and who, with similar social and cultural influences, share the same position regarding politics or art.
In this way, we usually talk about different generations that stood out in different countries and times for their contributions to society and thought. The generation of '98 , in this framework, brought together Spanish writers and thinkers born between 1864 and 1878 .
Emergence of the generation of '98
The origins of the generation of '98 are linked to the defeat suffered by the Spanish armed forces in the Spanish-American War . This conflict broke out in April 1898 when the United States intervened in the Cuban independence war .
With the American military triumph, Spain suffered the loss of its last remaining colonies . This fact, added to other factors, marked the decline of the Spanish Empire and the outbreak of a crisis.
The generation of '98 emerged in that climate of disenchantment , with social, political and even moral questions. The authors of this group sought, through their contributions, to end this decadent Spanish period and usher in a new time.
It is considered that the birth of the generation of '98 was brought about by the so-called Group of Three : Ramiro de Maeztu , José Martínez Ruiz (who would later adopt the pseudonym Azorín ) and Pío Baroja . These writers signed a manifesto in December 1901 and tried to promote Spanish modernization.
The generation of '98 had a great influence on Spanish culture.
Exponents and publications
The members of the Group of Three were joined by figures such as Antonio Machado , Ramón María del Valle-Inclán , Miguel de Unamuno , Ramón Menéndez Pidal and Enrique de Mesa , among others. Although there are usually debates about the inclusion of certain names, these intellectuals positioned themselves as leaders of the movement .
The Cervecería Inglesa , the Café de Levante , the Café de Fornos , the Café Lion d'Or and the Café de Madrid were some of the places that hosted meetings and gatherings of the generation of '98 . The authors' texts, over the years, appeared in magazines such as "Don Quijote" , "Vida Nueva" and "Alma Española" , to mention just a few publications.
Characteristics of the generation of 98
In a first stage, the members of the generation of '98 agreed in their opposition to the Bourbon Restoration . This period is usually mentioned as the revolutionary phase of the movement, since it promoted political reform .
The permanent reflection on the Spanish identity, the revaluation of traditions , the rejection of the aesthetics of realism, the inclusion of elements of subjectivity in their works, the impulse for a renewal of the language and a pessimistic attitude are common traits among the broad most authors.
However, after the revolutionary or reformist claim, there came an instance described as restorative that emerged from the lack of solutions and distrust towards the political leadership. In fact, the generation of '98 began to look for alternatives beyond the limits of traditional politics .