Spanish Second Republic Crisis: 1933-1936
The Biennium of the Right (1933-1935)
Counter-Reform and Reaction
The new government, led by Lerroux, focused on dismantling the reforms enacted by Azaña’s administration. Key actions included:
- Declaring an amnesty for those involved in the Sanjurjo coup attempt.
- Reinstating state aid to the clergy and religious education.
- Launching a counter-agrarian reform, suspending land expropriations and appeasing landowners.
- Abolishing the Municipal Act, which restricted landowners’ hiring practices.
- Suppressing labor laws, including the right to strike, and reducing wages.
- Purging the administration of leftist officials.
- Initiating a constitutional review to eliminate certain articles.
Radicalization and Revolution
These policies led to increased radicalization among workers and leftist groups, who felt their gains were being reversed. The appointment of three CEDA ministers to Lerroux’s government was interpreted as the rise of fascism, prompting the formation of the Workers’ Alliance. A revolutionary general strike was launched in October 1934.
The strike had varied outcomes across the country. While it failed in some areas like Madrid and the Basque Country, it transformed into a brief independence movement in Catalonia led by Lluís Companys. The most significant uprising occurred in Asturias, where leftist forces united under the UHP (Union of Proletarian Brothers). They seized arms, formed a revolutionary army, and implemented collectivization policies.
The government responded by sending troops under General López Ochoa and Francisco Franco to quell the Asturian revolution. After weeks of intense fighting, the rebellion was suppressed, resulting in significant bloodshed.
The Estraperlo Affair and Lerroux’s Resignation
The Lerroux government was weakened by the 1934 events and further destabilized by the Estraperlo corruption scandal involving Lerroux’s nephew. This led to his resignation in 1935, followed by an interim government under Portela Valladares.
The Popular Front and the Road to Civil War (1936)
The 1936 Elections and Political Polarization
In the lead-up to the February 1936 elections, the left united under the Popular Front, comprising various parties including the Republican Left, Republican Union, PSOE, and others. The CNT, while not formally part of the alliance, encouraged its supporters to vote for the Popular Front. The right-wing parties formed the National Front, including CEDA, Spanish Renewal, and the Falange.
The elections resulted in a decisive victory for the Popular Front, but the right refused to accept the outcome. This further intensified the political polarization in Spain.
The Popular Front Government and Escalating Violence
The Popular Front government, led by Azaña, aimed to reinstate the reforms of the previous biennium, including amnesty for those involved in the 1934 events, resumption of agrarian reform, and restoration of labor rights. However, the political climate was extremely volatile.
The presidency of Alcalá Zamora was in crisis, leading to his removal and Azaña’s ascension to the presidency. Casares Quiroga became Prime Minister. Political violence escalated dramatically, with clashes between opposing groups becoming increasingly common. The military, fearing a leftist revolution, began plotting a coup.
The Military Coup and the Start of the Civil War
General Mola led the military conspiracy, but needed a charismatic leader. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo, leader of Spanish Renewal, on July 12, 1936, prompted Franco to join the coup. On July 17, Moroccan troops revolted against the Republic, marking the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.