Spain’s Second Republic: Formation & 1931 Constitution
The Second Spanish Republic: Genesis & Early Days
On April 12, 1931, municipal elections took place in Spain with a participation rate of 66.9% of eligible male voters over 25 years old. These elections were widely interpreted as a referendum on the monarchy. Anti-monarchist candidates—representing parties such as the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party), radical parties, various Republican groups, and Basque and Catalan nationalists—achieved significant victories, winning in 41 out of the 50 provincial capitals.
Proclamation and Provisional Government
The triumph of candidates associated with the Pact of San Sebastián in major urban centers precipitated the proclamation of the Republic on April 14, 1931. The sheer scale of the popular movement supporting this change led King Alfonso XIII, finding himself isolated and without significant support, to go into exile.
A provisional government was immediately formed, headed by Niceto Alcalá Zamora. It was a coalition government composed of Republicans from various tendencies, socialists, and nationalists. This government was tasked with administering the country until a new Constituent Cortes (parliament) could draft a constitution and formally establish the new regime. Other key members of the provisional government included:
- Manuel Azaña (Acción Republicana): Minister of War
- Indalecio Prieto (PSOE): Minister of Finance
- Francisco Largo Caballero (PSOE): Minister of Labor
- Alejandro Lerroux (Partido Republicano Radical): Minister of State
- Miguel Maura (Derecha Liberal Republicana): Minister of Government (Interior)
Initial Reforms and Social Challenges
The new government faced immediate pressure to address the widespread desire for reform. It took initial significant steps in several areas:
- Advanced land reform measures.
- Initiated labor reforms.
- Began military reforms.
- Adopted new education legislation.
- Implemented the Provisional Statute of Autonomy (notably for Catalonia).
Maintaining public order was a priority. The Civil Guard was not suppressed; instead, a complementary, modern, and agile police force, the Assault Guards (Guardias de Asalto), was created. Its members were advocates of republican ideals, and the force was dissolved after the Spanish Civil War. Alongside these measures, the Defense Law of the Republic was a significant piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the stability of the new regime.
However, the social environment quickly became fraught with tension. The anarchist CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) launched a widespread campaign of strikes. Simultaneously, clashes between the Catholic Church and the new government were immediate and intense. The more conservative wing of the Church, led by Cardinal Segura, presented numerous obstacles to the new executive. Resurfacing anti-clerical sentiments led to attacks and the burning of several churches and convents in May 1931. This alienated a significant portion of Catholic public opinion from the new republican regime from its outset.
The 1931 Constitution: Key Features
The Constituent Cortes drafted a new constitution, which was adopted in December 1931. Its main features included:
Popular Sovereignty and Universal Suffrage
- Popular Sovereignty: The Constitution proclaimed Spain as a “democratic republic of workers of all classes.”
- Universal Suffrage: After extensive debate in the Cortes, women gained the right to vote, establishing universal adult suffrage.
Regional Autonomy Rights Established
- For the first time in Spanish history, the Constitution recognized the right of regions to establish statutes of autonomy.
Secular State and Religious Reforms
- A secular state was established, addressing the “religious question” through measures such as:
- Complete separation of Church and State.
- Elimination of state funding for the clergy and religious worship.
- Prohibition on religious orders conducting education.
- Guarantee of freedom of conscience and worship.
Extensive Bill of Rights and Freedoms
- An extensive bill of rights and freedoms was incorporated.
- This included civil rights such as divorce and legal equality for all children, whether born in or out of wedlock.
Establishment of the Right to Education
- The state’s responsibility for education and the right to education were affirmed, promoting a system of free, compulsory, and secular primary education.
Structure of Government Branches
- Legislative Power: Vested in a single-chamber parliament, the Cortes.
- Executive Power: Shared between a President of the Republic (Head of State with limited powers) and a Prime Minister (Head of Government), who, along with the cabinet, required the confidence of the Cortes.
- Judicial Power: Entrusted to independent courts of justice.