Spain’s Second Republic and Civil War: A Historical Account

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 in History

The Reformist Biennium (December 1931 – November 1933)

During this period, Niceto Alcalá-Zamora served as President of the Republic, with Manuel Azaña as President of the Government.

  • Military Reforms: Modernization of the armed forces, including voluntary withdrawal (approximately 40% of officers).
  • Land Reform: Attempted expropriation of large estates and redistribution of property among landless peasants. This initiative largely failed due to political and economic obstacles.
  • Social Legislation: Significant improvements for the working classes, such as the establishment of the 8-hour workday.
  • Education: A major focus, with the number of schools doubled and the implementation of pedagogical missions to promote literacy and modern teaching methods.
  • Autonomy for Catalonia: Establishment of a Catalan Parliament and self-government (Generalitat). This move faced strong opposition from the army and distrust from conservative sectors.

The Conservative Biennium (November 1933 – February 1936)

  • November 1933 Elections: A victory for right-wing parties, primarily led by the Radical Republican Party.
  • Reforms Halted: Stagnation and reversal of reforms initiated by the previous left-wing government, particularly concerning land and regional autonomy.
  • October 1934 Revolutions: Significant left-wing uprisings in Asturias and Catalonia, brutally suppressed by the government.
  • Conservative Policies: Implementation of policies that aimed to roll back previous progressive reforms.
  • Harsh Repression: Led by General Francisco Franco, the suppression of the Asturias uprising resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths.
  • Financial Scandals: A series of financial scandals led to the collapse of the government.
  • New Elections: President Alcalá-Zamora called for new general elections.

The Popular Front (February – July 1936)

The period was marked by a tense election campaign, centered around two main political blocs:

  • Left-wing: Grouped under the Popular Front coalition.
  • Right-wing: Centered around the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups).

The Popular Front secured a victory in the elections:

  • New Leadership: Manuel Azaña became President of the Republic, and Santiago Casares Quiroga was appointed President of the Government.
  • Government Aims: To accelerate the reforms initiated during the Reformist Biennium.
  • Right-wing Opposition: Accused of advocating for policies that would harm workers, such as closing factories.
  • Street Clashes: Frequent and violent confrontations between radical groups, including communists, fascists, anarchists, and trade unionists.
  • Escalating Violence: Two significant political assassinations further inflamed tensions:
    • Lieutenant José Castillo: A Republican officer, killed by fascists.
    • José Calvo Sotelo: A prominent monarchist leader, killed by left-wing groups in retaliation.

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

The conflict began with a military uprising:

  • Military Uprising: Initiated by a section of the army on July 17 in Morocco, spreading to the Iberian Peninsula on July 18.
  • Initial Expectations: The rebels anticipated a swift victory, but strong resistance in major cities led to a prolonged Civil War.

International Involvement

  • Theoretical Neutrality: The Non-Intervention Committee was established by several European powers, but it proved largely ineffective.
  • Support for Rebels (Nationalists): Germany and Italy provided significant military aid, including fascist regiments and air support. The USA provided some logistical support. The rebels adopted the name “Nationalists.”
  • Support for the Republic (Republicans): Received aid from the USSR and, to a lesser extent, France. They were known as “Republicans.”

Development of the War

Key Characteristics

  • High levels of violence.
  • Systematic terrorism against the civilian population, including bombings and reprisals.

Phases of the War

Initial Phase (July 1936)
  • Uprising in Melilla: July 17, 1936.
  • Uprising in the Peninsula: July 18, 1936.
  • Rebel Failure: To quickly capture major cities, the Mediterranean coast, and the northern regions of the Peninsula.
  • Rebel Success: In securing control over Castilla-León, Galicia, Navarre, Aragón, and parts of Andalusia.
Warring Factions
  • Rebels: Known as Nationalists.
  • Loyalists: Known as Republicans.
Phase 1: July 1936 – March 1937
  • Strait of Gibraltar Crossing: Rebels crossed the Strait with crucial German and Italian air support.
  • Failure to Take Madrid: Initial Nationalist attempts to capture the capital were repelled.
  • Franco Appointed Generalissimo: General Francisco Franco assumed supreme command of the Nationalist forces.
Phase 2: April 1937 – November 1937
  • Nationalist Advance: Gained control of the Cantabrian coast and began pushing towards the Mediterranean.
  • Republican Counter-offensives: Launched attacks in the center (Brunete, Guadalajara) and attempted to capture Zaragoza (Belchite).
Phase 3: December 1937 – February 1939
  • Republican Teruel Offensive: A major Republican push to capture Teruel.
  • Nationalist Counter-offensive: Advanced to the Mediterranean, splitting the Republican territory (Vinaròs).
  • Battle of the Ebro: Republicans launched their largest and most desperate offensive, which ultimately failed.
  • Nationalist Occupation of Catalonia.
End of the War

April 1, 1939: The war officially ended with the occupation of Madrid by Nationalist forces.