Spanish Second Republic: Government, Reforms, and Conflicts (1931-1934)
The Provisional Government (April 1931 – July 1931)
The provisional government in Madrid, representing the San Sebastian Pact, seized power and proclaimed the Republic. This government convened elections and implemented several provisions:
- Amnesty for political prisoners.
- Proclamation of political freedom and trade union action.
- Protection for farmers.
- Establishment of provisional government and autonomy.
Constitution of 1931
The 1931 Constitution had a strong progressive and democratic character, defining Spain as a republic of workers of all classes with a regime of freedoms and justice. It established a single-chamber legislature and included a declaration of rights and freedoms, including suffrage for women. However, it faced opposition due to its secularism.
The Reformist Biennium (July 1931 – October 1933)
The government, led by Azaña and Manuel, initiated a reform program with the following goals:
Religious Reforms
To limit the influence of the Church and secularize Spanish society. The government banned religious orders from teaching to limit their dominance in education.
Military Modernization
Manuel Azaña launched a reform to create a more professional and democratic army, reducing its size and ending special privileges. This resulted in the withdrawal of many officers.
Agrarian Reform
Approved in September 1932, aimed to modernize agriculture and improve the social situation of farmers. However, slow implementation and opposition from large landowners led to increased social tension. Landless laborers were also disappointed with the results.
Centralist State Reform
Prioritized setting up a state that provided autonomy to areas with nationalist sentiments.
Education and Labor Reforms
- Liberal and secular education.
- Law on employment contracts.
- Law on mixed juries.
The Conservative Biennium (1933-1936)
By the autumn of 1933, the crisis led to the collapse of the Republican-Socialist coalition. The head of government resigned, and new elections were held in November. The left was divided, while the right-wing parties were united and won the elections.
The new government, led by Lerroux, reversed many of the previous reforms:
- Returned land to the nobility.
- Cancelled property damage compensation.
- Attempted to counter religious reforms.
- Approved an amnesty for the military.
- Penalized the Basque statute.
Revolution of October 1934
The CEDA called for more forceful action in public order and participation in the government. Lerroux conceded, and on October 5, 1934, three CEDA members were given portfolios.
Asturias
Armed miners staged a social revolution, resulting from an agreement between anarchists, socialists, and communists. They occupied villages, took over Civil Guard barracks, and replaced town halls. The government sent the Legion from Africa, commanded by General Francisco, to suppress the revolt.
Catalonia
The revolt was supported by the President of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys, who proclaimed the Catalan Republic within the Spanish Federal Republic. The government declared a state of war in Catalonia, resulting in 3,500 detainees.