Political Developments in Republican Spain (1936-1939)

Political Developments in Republican Spain (1936-1939)

The Political and Social Evolution of Republican Spain

a) The Weakness of the State (July-Sept. 1936)

An immediate consequence of the July 18 military uprising was the outbreak of revolutionary movements in Republican territories. While Casares Quiroga attempted to maintain constitutional order, unions and leftist parties demanded arms, which he refused. His resignation led to Diego Martínez Barrio briefly taking power, followed by José Giral on July 19. Giral agreed to arm leftist groups, leading to a spontaneous revolution spearheaded by the UGT and CNT. A widespread power vacuum and dispersed authority characterized the initial weeks of the war.

Land occupations were rampant, with some anarchist-controlled areas implementing total collectivization and even abolishing money. Giral’s cabinet, lacking broader leftist support, struggled until September 1936. The Republic’s image suffered further damage with the Badajoz massacre on August 23, where CNT-FAI militia executed around 40 prisoners, including Primo de Rivera and Julio Ruiz de Alda, leading to the creation of People’s Courts.

b) The Largo Caballero Government (Sept. 1936-May 1937)

In early September 1936, Francisco Largo Caballero formed a new government comprising Socialists, Republicans, and Communists. Initially reluctant, anarchists eventually joined, with Juan García Oliver (Justice), Juan Peiró (Industry), Federica Montseny (Health), and Juan López Sánchez (Commerce) becoming ministers. Largo Caballero’s key objectives were:

  1. Creating a broad anti-fascist alliance.
  2. Rebuilding state power and centralizing authority, a daunting task given the numerous worker’s committees and militias.
  3. Militarizing party militias to form the Popular Army.
  4. Legalizing peasant seizures of rebel-held properties and establishing People’s Courts to curb indiscriminate repression.

Two primary models clashed within the Republican zone:

  • The CNT-FAI and POUM advocated immediate collectivization, prioritizing simultaneous revolution and war.
  • Republicans, moderate socialists, and the PCE sought to restore order, centralize power, and respect small and medium landholdings, prioritizing war before revolution.

This internal conflict culminated in the Barcelona May Days of 1937. Despite a government ban on demonstrations, tensions flared as Communists protested the CNT’s control over the Telefónica building and alleged monitoring of government calls. The Communists gained influence, leading to the downfall of Largo Caballero on May 15, succeeded by Juan Negrín.

c) The Negrín Government (May 1937-Feb. 1939)

Juan Negrín’s government, with Indalecio Prieto as Minister of War, included Socialists, Communists, Republicans, a Basque, and a Catalan nationalist. Negrín aligned closely with the PCE, bolstered by Soviet aid. The POUM was suppressed, its headquarters closed, and leaders arrested, including Andreu Nin, who fell victim to Stalinist purges. Negrín’s government oversaw a shift from revolutionary terror to systematic political repression.

Negrín aimed for greater centralization and an end to the Popular Army. By autumn 1937, many Republicans anticipated defeat, but Negrín and the Communists remained optimistic. Negrín’s 13 Points outlined war aims, but Franco rejected them, demanding unconditional surrender. The Battle of the Ebro followed, with Negrín hoping the war would last until a general European conflict. He simplified his peace terms to:

  1. Withdrawal of foreign troops.
  2. A mutually acceptable political system.
  3. Guaranteed absence of reprisals.

Barcelona fell in January 1939, prompting the Republican government’s flight.

d) The Casado Coup (Feb.-Apr. 1939)

Negrín’s government prioritized resistance, hoping for democratic intervention against Italy and Germany. However, Catalonia’s fall demoralized many. Colonel Casado, believing Negrín and the Communists hindered peace, plotted a coup. Franco’s international recognition in February 1939 further weakened the Republic. President Manuel Azaña resigned, and Diego Martínez Barrio took over in France.

Casado’s National Defense Council, comprising non-communist military, socialists, and anarchists, launched a coup on March 5. Negrín, unable to maintain unity, fled with PCE leaders. Casado negotiated with Franco, who still demanded unconditional surrender. On March 27, Franco launched the final offensive. Casado ordered his forces to surrender. Republicans unable to evacuate faced arrest and internment. The war ended on April 1, 1939, ushering in an era of repression and exile.