Second Spanish Republic: Eras and Key Events
The Second Spanish Republic: A Historical Overview
The birth of the Second Spanish Republic occurred amidst significant economic and political turmoil, including the global crisis of 1929 and the decline of democratic models across Europe.
Provisional Government (1931)
The Second Republic was established with a provisional government in 1931, following the Pact of San Sebastián. Niceto Alcalá-Zamora became President, and representatives included:
- Socialists
- Radicals
- Republicans
- Catalan Nationalists
- Catholics
A key achievement of this period was the development of a progressive constitution. However, it faced challenges such as anarchist opposition, outbreaks of anticlericalism, and the proclamation of the Catalan Republic.
Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
On June 28, 1931, elections for Parliament took place, resulting in a victory for the left-wing parties. Alcalá-Zamora resigned due to holding too many positions, and Manuel Azaña (Minister of War) took office, representing a coalition of reformers and centrists. The government officially adopted the Constitution of the Republic on December 10, 1931.
The initial term did not satisfy everyone, with constant rejections from some Republican factions. The reformist agenda focused on several key points:
- Army Reform: They restored the army, which nevertheless disgruntled some military sectors.
- Catalan Autonomy: The victory of ERC (Republican Left of Catalonia) facilitated the formation of the government and the approval of a statute of autonomy for Catalonia.
- Land Reform: This aimed to create small and medium-sized holdings, ending the large Spanish landowner structure.
The most remarkable incident of this period was the military coup in 1932 by General José Sanjurjo, which ultimately failed. Azaña also attempted to form another socialist and republican government, including ERC. However, the events at Casas Viejas precipitated Azaña’s fall, and Alcalá-Zamora moved to remove the socialists from power. Ricardo Martínez Barrio led a transitional government, which then convened new elections where women voted for the first time, returning power to the center-right, led by Lerroux’s Radical Republican Party.
Conservative Biennium (1933-1935)
Lerroux’s government dissolved in 1934, leading to a provisional government under Ricardo Samper Ibáñez, whose resignation was forced by the Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights (CEDA). This led to a new government with Lerroux and CEDA ministers, and increased pressure for the removal of President Zamora.
Attempts were made to undo Azaña’s reforms, especially agrarian ones, and a salary was attributed to the clergy. Strikes erupted in Valencia and Zaragoza, and the Workers’ Alliance (UGT and CNT) decreed a general strike that lasted 15 days, following a failed military speech. In Catalonia, the President of the Generalitat declared the Catalan Republic within a Spanish Federal Republic, in response to the conservative regime’s perceived involution. Consequently, a state of war was declared, and the army, led by General Domènec Batet, intervened. Lack of support, disorganization, and other factors undermined the revolt and led to its surrender. The Statute of Autonomy was suspended, and this period, for Catalonia, became known as the “Black Biennium.”
Popular Front (1936)
The elections of February 16, 1936, saw the reorganization of the left into the Popular Front, which won due to several factors, including the disqualification of Lerroux’s party and massive anarchist participation. Prisoners from the 1934 events were liberated. Manuel Azaña was elected President, and Santiago Casares Quiroga was appointed head of government, despite disagreements from some non-socialist factions. Azaña was widely disliked by the right wing.
In Catalonia, the previous government leaders returned to power. Francisco Franco was dismissed and sent to the Canary Islands. From February to March, the political landscape polarized, with a right-wing conspiracy emerging and a radicalization of the left. The assassinations of Lieutenant José Castillo (left-wing) and José Calvo Sotelo (right-wing) were key catalysts for the Civil War. In July 1936, the military insurrection began, notably in Morocco, and quickly spread to many military garrisons across Spain.