The Second Spanish Republic: A Concise History (1931-1936)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
In the summer of 1930, the Republican party, the Socialists, and Catalan nationalists gathered in San Sebastian. In this meeting, they presented a program called the Pact of San Sebastian, aiming for the declaration of the Republic. Municipal elections were held on April 12, and the pro-republic parties were victorious. The Second Republic was proclaimed on April 13 in Eibar, and the next day throughout the Spanish state. Alfonso XIII was forced into exile. There were significant challenges to address:
- The global economic crisis of 1929: The economic situation was dire.
- The socio-economic situation in Spain: Illiteracy was widespread, rural areas were extremely underdeveloped, and there was widespread hunger and misery. The industrial workers’ movement was powerful, the army was outdated, and there was a strong desire for regional autonomy.
- The impact of fascism and communism in Europe: These ideologies had a significant influence on Spanish society. The extreme left demanded faster and more radical changes, while the extreme right demanded strict control and order. The Republic was caught in the crossfire between these two opposing positions.
The Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)
A coalition government formed by various political parties (Socialists, Republicans, and Catalan nationalists) drafted the 1931 Constitution. It was a very progressive constitution, and based on it, several reforms were implemented in Spain:
- Agrarian reform: Distribution of land among landless farmers.
- Education: Basic and general education was placed outside the control of the Church.
- Recognition of women’s suffrage.
- Civil marriage and divorce law.
- Army reform: Reduction in the number of officers, as the number was excessive.
- Autonomy: The demands of Catalonia were addressed, and its autonomy was approved.
However, many problems arose. Serious conflicts emerged between landowners and peasants due to land redistribution, and the Catholic Church’s power was significantly reduced. Landless peasants, led by anarchists, repeatedly rebelled. Finally, the government was forced to resign.
The Black Biennium (1933-1936)
Right-wing parties won the 1933 elections and immediately began to rescind the reforms made in the previous years. The new government’s radical stance towards labor movements led to a general strike call in October 1934. It had a significant impact in Asturias, where the African army brutally repressed the strikers. The autonomy of Catalonia was revoked.
Fascist movements began to gain strength in Spain, especially after José Antonio Primo de Rivera, son of the former dictator, founded the Spanish Falange party, along with JONS. The situation became so tense that new elections had to be called.
The Popular Front (February-July 1936)
The elections were won by a coalition of Republicans, Socialists, and Communists, known as the Popular Front. They immediately launched their reform program. However, clashes between political forces and violence were widespread. The extreme right, including members of the army and Falangists, carried out numerous attacks, and some members of the extreme left also engaged in violent actions. The army was ready to act, and on July 17, the army in Africa, led by General Franco, initiated a coup. The coup failed, and the Civil War began.