Spanish Second Republic: Reforms of the Biennium
Biennium Reforms (1931-1933)
Between December 1931 and September 1933, the government, headed by Manuel Azaña and composed mostly of Left Republicans and Socialists, urged a reform program, begun in the constitutional period, with the goal of modernizing and democratizing Spanish society.
The Religious Question
One of the primary goals of the Republic was to limit the influence of the Church and secularize Spanish society. This was reflected in the Constitution, which provided for a non-denominational
Read MoreSecond Spanish Republic: Biennium Reform & Challenges
Biennium Reform: A Period of Change
The Biennium Reform began under the government of Azaña, with a similar composition to the provisional government, including radicals.
Land Reform
Land reform was proclaimed to address the problem of land access, which had led to violent clashes between laborers and the Civil Guard. There was strong repression of peasants who took land without permission, and peasants attacked the Civil Guard. The objectives were to end landlordism, prevent absenteeism, and reward
Read MoreSpain: Economic Expansion, Social Groups & Religion (1900-1930)
The Economy (1900-1930)
From 1900 to 1913, Spain experienced economic expansion driven by three key factors:
- The repatriation of capital from former colonies, especially Cuba, following the defeat of 1898.
- A significant influx of foreign capital.
- The development of private banking, with the founding of banks such as Vizcaya, Hispanic American, and Spanish Credit, alongside Bilbao, which was founded half a century earlier.
Impact of the First World War
Spain’s neutrality during the First World War presented
Read MoreSpanish Politics: Power Shifts and Ideologies (1837-1843)
Power Alternations (1837-1843)
Moderates in Government (1837-1840)
Following the approval of the constitution, the moderates won the 1837 elections. In 1840, they drafted a more restrictive electoral and municipal law, granting themselves the power to appoint mayors of provincial capitals. They also initiated legislation to reintroduce the tithe. This municipal law sparked opposition from progressive liberals, leading to an insurrection and the formation of revolutionary committees. Maria Cristina
Read MoreRestoration Era in Spain: Cánovas, Sagasta, and Political Shifts
The Restoration Era in Spain
The regime of the Restoration is the brainchild of Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, who believed the nation needed stability after the turbulent Sexenio Democrático. Cánovas’s ideas were based on:
- Forming strong parties that take turns in power (as in the British model). In this sense, a pact was signed between Cánovas, Sagasta, and Pardo.
- Involving a maximum of political forces in the system, constituting a “representative opposition”: Republicans, Carlists, progressives,
Key Events in 20th Century Spain: A Concise History
Key Events in 20th Century Spain
Tragic Week (July 1909)
The War of Morocco led the government to send reservists, who had to embark in Barcelona. This triggered a strike that escalated into an insurrection, resulting in numerous deaths, international condemnation, and the fall of the Maura government.Military Juntas de Defensa
These associations demanded changes in the promotion system, contrasting it with the rapid advancement of officers in Morocco.Battle of Annual (1921)
This battle resulted