Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Causes, Conflict, and Aftermath
Military Uprising and Civil War (1936-1939)
To stand for election in February 1936, the leftist parties were grouped in the Popular Front. Right-wing parties formed various coalitions, consisting of the CEDA, monarchists, and traditionalists but failed to form a single candidate for Spain or write an agreed-upon manifesto. In the elections, the Popular Front became the winning force. The new government was formed exclusively by Republicans, while the Socialists and other coalition parties agreed
Read MoreFranco’s Spain: Ideology, Rule, and Social Control
I. IDEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF FRANCO’S REGIME
Franco called the regime established after the Civil War the Franco regime. From 1939 to 1975, it was a dictatorial regime that underwent changes. From beginning to end, it was a true dictatorship, with Franco holding all power, believing he only had to answer “before God and before history.” Historians debate whether to call it fascist, totalitarian, authoritarian, or something else. It was an amalgam of totalitarian state, military
Read MoreSpain’s Second Republic: 1931-1936
The Second Republic (1931)
Following Berenguer’s resignation, Alfonso XIII appointed Admiral Aznar to form a government tasked with holding clean elections. Despite monarchist wins in rural areas, Republicans triumphed in provincial capitals. On April 13, 1931, Alfonso XIII abdicated, and the Second Republic was proclaimed on April 14.
A provisional government led by Alcalá Zamora was formed. Francesc Macià proclaimed a Catalan Republic, challenging the provisional government, which promised Catalan
Read MoreSpanish Restoration: Political Stability and the Canovist System
Catering and Canovist System
The Restoration of the Bourbon monarchy, with Alfonso XII as king, was initiated by a military coup led by General Martinez Campos in Sagunto on December 29, 1874. The monarchy lasted until the proclamation of the Second Republic on April 14, 1931. The reign of Alfonso XII was brief (1875-1885). His death led to the Regency of his widow, Maria Cristina of Hapsburg, until Alfonso XIII came of age in 1902, reigning until 1931. The period starting in 1875 is known as the
Read MoreSpain’s 1898 Crisis: Political & Social Transformations
Cánovas and the New Liberalism
Cánovas aimed to articulate a new model of liberalism, addressing the partisan and exclusionary nature of moderate military intervention in politics and the proliferation of civil strife. The objectives were twofold: to develop a constitution that would create a bipartisan political system and to pacify the country by ending the war in Cuba and the Carlist conflict.
The first policy measure was the convening of elections for a Constituent Assembly, as the Constitution
Read MoreSpain’s Liberal Revolution: Isabel II’s Reign (1833-1868)
Item 2: Liberal Revolution during Isabel II’s Reign (1833-1868)
During Isabel II’s reign (1833-1868), Spain underwent a liberal revolution, starting with a civil war between Carlists (absolutists) and Isabelines (liberals) due to a dynastic conflict after Fernando VII’s death. A new ruling class, the bourgeoisie agraria, emerged. However, establishing a truly representative parliamentary system faced challenges, with party changes often resulting from military coups or popular revolts.