Spain’s Second Republic: Key Events, Reforms, and Economic Challenges
What Happened in the Municipal Elections of April 12?
The political situation shifted dramatically. Monarchists outperformed Republicans overall, but Republicans won in major cities. On April 14th, the Republic was proclaimed in Éibar, with other cities following suit, sparking public celebrations. Alfonso XIII suspended his royal powers and abdicated.
Who Participated in Forming the Provisional Government?
Liberal Right: Miguel Maura and Niceto Alcalá-Zamora.
Left Republicans: Manuel Azaña and Marcelino Domingo.
Radical Republicans: Alejandro Lerroux and Diego Martínez Barrio.
Socialists: Francisco Largo Caballero, Indalecio Prieto, and Fernando de los Ríos.
Catalan Nationalists: Nicolau d’Olwer.
Galician Republicans: Santiago Casares Quiroga.
The monarchist right coalition, Basques, and workers’ groups remained outside the government.
What Did the Provisional Government Do?
It called for parliamentary elections on June 28th and initiated urgent reforms, including land reform, military reform, and negotiations for a solution to the autonomy issue.
What Challenges Did the New Republic Face?
The Republic faced social conflicts, growing discontent among business owners and landowners, and opposition from the Catholic Church.
Why Was a Draft Constitution Prepared?
The Republican-Socialist coalition’s victory in the June 28th elections signaled a significant political shift. Parliament became central to political life, leading to the appointment of a Constitutional Commission to draft a new constitution.
Principles of the 1931 Constitution
The Constitution had a strong democratic and progressive character:
- The State was established as “integral.”
- Legislative power resided fully in Parliament. Executive power rested with the Council of Ministers and the President of the Republic. The judiciary was entrusted to independent judges.
- It prevented the possibility of arbitrary expropriation of property.
- It presented a comprehensive bill of rights and freedoms, including economic and social rights. It granted women the right to vote, declared the separation of church and state, recognized civil marriage and divorce, and affirmed the equality of all citizens regarding education and work.
Did the Constitution Achieve Consensus?
No, it was approved amidst deep divisions between the left and right. Catholics opposed the non-denominational state, and the right resisted autonomy reforms. The approval of religious articles led to the resignation of Catholic members of the government, with Alcalá-Zamora replacing Azaña as head of government.
What Hopes Did the Proclamation of the Republic Raise?
The new regime was expected to undertake a profound redistribution of income and wealth. However, the institutional changes sparked deep distrust among landowners and entrepreneurs.
How Did the International Crisis Affect Spain?
The regime change coincided with the global economic slump. However, the crisis had a less severe impact on Spain compared to other Western countries. The Great Depression primarily affected the export sectors, particularly agriculture and minerals. Spanish exports, especially citrus, declined, but less so than in other nations.
Why were the impacts softer?
- A depreciation of the peseta made Spanish prices more competitive abroad.
- The limited importance of foreign trade due to previous tariff protectionism.
What Problems Were Added to the Traditional Spanish Economy?
The lack of confidence among entrepreneurs and financiers in the new republican regime exacerbated existing economic problems. Proposed social measures further discouraged investment.
When Did Social Conflict Reach Its Peak?
Social conflict peaked from 1933 onwards, with revolutionary attempts by socialist sectors further eroding business confidence and investment.
What Three Stages Can Be Distinguished in Economic Development?
- April 1931 – November 1933: Deterioration of confidence and economic activity.
- Early 1934 – February 1936: Moderate recovery despite the October 1934 revolution.
- Months preceding the 1936 coup: Economic downturn.
How Did Government Economic Policy Aggravate Difficulties and Tensions?
The government reduced public spending to achieve balanced budgets, which negatively impacted investment goods sectors. Rising wages and measures reducing working days increased business distrust. However, these wage increases also boosted consumption and benefited some industries.
When Was the Reformist Biennium and What Happened?
Between December 1931 and September 1933, Manuel Azaña led a government that promoted the reforms initiated during the constitutional period.
Who Promoted Army Reform and What Did It Entail?
Azaña spearheaded the reform, aiming to create a professional and democratic army. It sought to end special military privileges and ensure obedience to civilian power. The “law of retirement of the officer” was established, some traditional ranks were abolished, the number of officers was reduced, and the Zaragoza Military Academy was closed.
What Was the “Law of Retirement of the Officer”?
It required all active soldiers to pledge allegiance to the regime, with the option to retire with full pay.
Did the Army Reform Achieve Its Goals? Why?
No. Although well-planned, the number of retiring officers was lower than anticipated. Defense budget cuts hindered weapons modernization. The law was perceived by some as an attack on military tradition.
What Were the Republic’s Goals Regarding Religion?
The Republic aimed to limit the Church’s influence and secularize Spanish society. The constitution established the state as non-denominational, guaranteed religious freedom, and abolished the budget for worship and clergy. It also legalized divorce and civil marriage. The Jesuit order was dissolved, its property nationalized, and other religious orders were restricted from teaching. The 1933 Law of Congregations was imposed. The religious issue created significant opposition to the republican regime, with much of the Church hierarchy openly expressing its antagonism.