The Conservative Biennium (1933-1936) in Spain

The Conservative Biennium (1933-1936)

In the elections of 1933, Gil-Robles and the CEDA became the most voted party, but did not obtain an absolute majority. Alejandro Lerroux of the Radical Party became the second political force in the new Cortes. The internal disputes of right-wing parties and doctrinal differences between the radicals and the CEDA government caused great instability, evident in the formation of many governments throughout the period.

Milestones

From October 1933 until 1934, there were several minority governments presided over by radicals (D. Martínez Barrio, A. Lerroux, R. Samper), due to the president’s refusal to hand over power to the CEDA, which did not recognize the Republic.

This radicalcedista biennium was characterized by political conservatism and the halting of social reform and economic autonomy from the previous period. It was named the “black biennium” by the left. The government was a barren stage, which helped intensify social and political tensions, due to strong opposition from both the far-right and the left.

The Review of Progressive Reforms

The essential aspects of the radicalcedista governments were:

  • Adoption of an Amnesty Law for civilians and military involved in the 1932 revolt with Sanjurjo, allowing them to return to their military positions, against the Republic.
  • Approval of a budget for the Catholic clergy and congregations, and repeal of the Act. The Church was allowed back in schools and recovered some of the confiscated goods.
  • Review of agrarian reform, with the halting of expropriation and the removal of laws and decrees related to the improvement of farmers’ and laborers’ wages. In 1935, the budget for the application of the reform was cut, which meant its permanent cessation.
  • Confrontation with the Government of Catalonia, ruled by the Republican Left. The Law of Cultivation Contract, which benefited the Rabassaires and had already been approved by the Catalan Parliament, was declared unconstitutional. They were also opposed to the Basque Statute, despite its Catholic and conservative orientation.

Other political actions undertaken by CEDA ministers beyond the revision of previous legislation were: the Law of Paperback Leases, to promote the construction and rental of public housing.

Sociopolitical Radicalism: The Revolution of October 1934

The employers’ agricultural policy in the countryside triggered numerous rural strikes, convened by the CNT and the Federation of Workers of the Earth (FTT), close to the UGT, which resulted in clashes with the forces of order. The harsh repression led to the dismantling of peasant organizations.

In Catalonia and the Basque Country, the government’s anti-autonomy attitude provoked a climate of increased tension.

The CEDA’s entry into the government in October 1934 was perceived by the left and the labor movement as an attempt by Gil-Robles to destroy the republic by legal means, as Hitler had done in Germany. They decided to resort to force to prevent it.

Most of the trade unions called a general strike on October 5, 1934. The strike was illegal and was quickly suppressed by the government, which declared a state of war. The lack of coordination contributed to the failure of the strike movement.

In Catalonia, President Companys proclaimed the Catalan State within the Spanish Federal Republic, opposing the radicalcedista government.

In Asturias, the strike became a real social revolution that ended with a harsh crackdown.

The Radicalcedista Government Crisis

The National Bloc was an association of Alfonsine monarchists and Carlists, promoted by José Calvo Sotelo. It advocated for an authoritarian, Catholic, and nationalist monarchy inspired by fascism and defended the use of force to end the violence of the left and the Republic. The continuation of the repression following the events of October produced a popular reaction in favor of an approach between the left and republicans, who acted together in pro-amnesty committees and anti-government acts. The left united in defending the lost rights.

During 1935, government policy became more reactionary: the permanent cessation of agrarian reform, budget reduction, the approach to Nazi Germany in foreign policy, and the appointment of anti-republican military personnel to positions of responsibility in the army. The fascist right was allowed to act openly against the Republic, and the left against the right. The sharp confrontation between right and left groups caused a growing social and political division in Spain, influenced by the international situation.

European fascism had come to power and appeared as a solution to the crisis of liberal democracy and a way to contain communism. The National Bloc and the Falange Española de las JONS opposed the policies of the CEDA.

Communist parties proposed the formation of a Popular Front to unite all left and liberal forces against the fascist threat. The Conservative government was involved in a serious crisis. In late 1935, President Alcalá-Zamora appointed Portela Valladares as head of a centrist government.