Establishment of the Second Spanish Republic & 1931 Constitution
The Second Republic and the Constitution of 1931
I. The Establishment of the Second Republic and the Constitution of 1931
A. Establishment
Background: The monarchy of Alfonso XIII was a political system in decline. Alfonso XIII was accused, among other things, of being a traitor to the very Constitution (by accepting the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera) and to the Annual. In 1926, during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, different politicians met to try to end the monarchy and establish a Second Republic. (Failure to form a Republican political party in 1926 resulted in the division of Republicanism.)
B. Causes
- Discredit of the political parties due to their fragmentation into many parties (multiparty system).
- Unpopularity of the king (smear campaign): disaster in Morocco, violating the 1876 Constitution by accepting the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera.
- Pact of San Sebastian (1930): The goal was to remove King Alfonso XIII.
Development: In 1930 in San Sebastian, the union of the Republican parties was achieved. Many monarchists were unhappy with the king, along with leaders of peripheral nationalisms, cultural figures like the philosopher Ortega y Gasset, and other politicians.
Objectives:
- To eliminate the monarchy, replacing it with a republic.
- To form a provisional government.
- To convene the Constituent Cortes to approve a constitution and a statute for Catalonia.
C. How to Overthrow the Monarchy?
By convening a military insurrection (coup) and a general strike to paralyze the country, dated for December 15th. The press would handle stirring up and provoking the masses, as well as academics.
D. What Happened?
There were victims, two army captains (Galán and Hernandez) who rebelled in the north, but the rest did not support them. It was a failure that ended in a summary trial: they were arrested, tried, and sentenced to death in 48 hours, without a proper defense, and with a rigged sentence that was true from the moment of sentencing. All the actions planned for the 15th were delayed because the uprising was on the 13th.
E. Socio-economic and Political Outlook in Early 1931
The economic crisis was already affecting Western and Central Europe (all capitalist countries). The 1929 U.S. collapse also affected Europe. In 1931, the primary sector occupied 45% of the Spanish population (rural and agricultural country). Poor infrastructure provision had been made; bridges, canals, and ports were inadequate (Spain was far behind surrounding countries). The tax system was inadequate (one of the major problems), and therefore state coffers were always in deficit. Surrounding countries had better tax systems. There was social unrest due to high polarization (gangsterism), economic protectionism in Catalonia and the Basque Country (employers were protected), and very low wages for workers. Some were immensely rich, and many were extremely poor; there was no middle class to mediate tensions. Illiteracy was high (44% in men and even higher in women). There was an image of strength in Spain, both the traditional (monarchy, aristocrats, landowners, the Spain of the manor) and the progressive (the workers, the universities). Monarchists were calling for a Constituent Cortes (they did not believe in the Republic but also did not believe in the king). On February 14, 1931, Prime Minister General Berenguer resigned, and the king appointed Juan Bautista Aznar (a naval military officer) as president.
F. Municipal Elections of April 12, 1931
Republican political forces (all those who signed the Pact of San Sebastian) were very powerful in the cities. In the cities, caciquismo (political bossism) did not have as much influence on people, and literacy was higher. The result was that in the 50 provincial capitals, Republicans won in 41 municipalities. Monarchists (parties of the conservative and liberal family) wanted to continue the restoration and the regime of Alfonso XIII. These were very influential in rural areas, influenced by patronage, and the monarchists won in towns and rural areas. Result: Republicans and Socialists joined forces (especially in cities) and won the elections. Anarchists and communists did not vote. Monarchists and the traditional right appeared disjointed and lost. Cadiz was the only capital city where the monarchists won because they came together.
II. Political and Social Developments of the Second Republic
A. The Progressive Biennium (April 14, 1931 – November 28, 1933)
1. Provisional Government (until June 28)
Alfonso XIII left Spain without trying to resolve the debate. In Madrid, a provisional government was formed, headed by a minister of the Republican right, Alcalá Zamora, who took over the leadership of the state. Alfonso XIII went into exile to France via Cartagena and finally died in Italy in 1940. In Barcelona, there was a great desire to establish the Republic and proclaim the Catalan Republic within the “Iberian Federation.” The Catalans were led by Macià (ERC party).
Actions taken: Spain needed many outstanding actions.
a. Agricultural Area: The reform included an 8-hour workday (not from sunrise to sunset) with an agreed-upon wage, priority for neighbors to work in their municipality, and potentially arable lands could be exploited, or they would go to the laborers.
b. Educational Area: 6,750 schools and 7,000 teacher positions were created, teachers’ salaries were increased, and a wide library network was established. The Republic intended to eliminate or reduce illiteracy.