Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms & Challenges 1931-1933
CONSTITUTION OF 1931 & REFORMER BIENNIUM
1. Introduction: The New Regime
The end of the dictatorship saw the monarchy’s inevitable fall. The Republican option emerged as the most suitable. On April 14, 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed in Spain amid euphoria and hope for radical political change. However, the clash between the upper and lower classes (workers, landless peasants) was intense, ultimately leading to civil war. The Republic also faced challenges: the global economic crisis of 1929 and the rise of fascism in Europe.
Key steps in the transition from monarchy to Republic:
- Government of General Berenguer
- Pact of San Sebastián (summer 1930)
- Revolt of the Jaca garrison (December 1930)
- Municipal elections and Berenguer’s resignation
- Proclamation of the Republic
Alfonso XIII tasked General Dámaso Berenguer with restoring constitutional normality after Primo de Rivera’s fall. This proved difficult due to the monarchy’s association with the dictatorship. In August 1930, Republican, Socialist, and Nationalist representatives met in San Sebastián, forming a revolutionary committee.
2.1 Political Parties
Left-wing parties were committed to the Republic, socio-economic reforms, rejection of old institutions, and regional autonomy. Key parties were Izquierda Republicana (led by Manuel Azaña) and the PSOE (supported by the UGT union). Further left were the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) and the anarchists (grouped around the CNT).
Right-wing parties opposed the republican government, favored traditional structures, and rejected regional autonomy. They included fascists (JONS, Falange Española), monarchists, and the CEDA (a confessional party).
Center Republicans included former royalists and the Radical Republican Party (led by Alejandro Lerroux). Regional-Nationalist parties thrived in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia.
2.2 April 12 Elections & Proclamation of the Republic
The municipal elections became a plebiscite on the monarchy. Republicans won in major cities, leading to Alfonso XIII’s exile. A provisional government was formed, calling for constituent elections.
2.3 The Provisional Government (April-December 1931)
Headed by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, the government aimed for democratic reforms. Francesc Macià proclaimed a Catalan Republic, later negotiated into regional autonomy.
A) Elections for the Constituent Assembly
Elections were held on June 28, 1931, with universal male suffrage. Republicans and Socialists won, leading to the drafting of a new constitution.
B) The Constitution of 1931
Key features included a unicameral parliament, universal suffrage (including women in 1933), regional autonomy, individual rights, separation of church and state, and the possibility of expropriation for public utility.
2.4 The Reformist Biennium (December 1931-November 1933)
Led by Manuel Azaña, this period focused on agrarian reform, military restructuring, church-state relations, education reform, and regional autonomy.
a) Agrarian Reform: Aimed to address land inequality but faced opposition and yielded limited results.
b) Military Reform: Sought to modernize the army and ensure loyalty to the Republic, leading to opposition from some military leaders.
c) Religious Reforms: Included separation of church and state, secularization of education, and legalization of divorce, causing tension with the Catholic Church.
d) Education Reform: Aimed to improve literacy and secularize education but faced financial constraints and opposition from the Church.
e) Regional Autonomy: Catalonia received a Statute of Autonomy in 1932. Efforts in the Basque Country and Galicia faced challenges.
3. Conclusion
The Republic faced strong opposition from the right and growing social unrest. Despite enacting labor reforms, unemployment remained high. Strikes and riots occurred, leading to violent clashes. The government’s handling of these events damaged its prestige, leading to new elections in November 1933.