The Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Journey (1931-1936)
The Second Spanish Republic, a period of significant political and social change, can be divided into three distinct stages:
The 1931 Constitution and the Early Years (1931-1935)
The first stage began with the establishment of the 1931 Constitution and the subsequent “Reformer Biennium” (1931-1933), characterized by progressive reforms. However, the following “Center-Right Biennium” (1933-1935) saw a shift towards conservative policies, leading to increased political polarization and social unrest.
The 1933 Elections and the Center-Right Biennium
The 1933 general elections resulted in a victory for right-wing parties, including the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups) and the Radical Party. This coalition aimed to revise the reforms implemented during the previous biennium, particularly those related to religion and land ownership.
The center-right government focused on reversing key aspects of the previous reforms, such as the Law of Confessions and restrictions on Catholic education. While they faced challenges in repealing labor and agrarian reforms, they did succeed in granting amnesty to those involved in the 1932 Sanjurjo coup attempt.
Social Conflicts and Regional Tensions
The center-right biennium was marked by significant social conflicts and regional tensions. Landowners sought to reduce wages, leading to peasant strikes, while in Catalonia, a conflict arose between the central government and the Generalitat (Catalan government) over the Contracts Act, which allowed tenant farmers to purchase land after 18 years of cultivation.
The October Revolution of 1934 and its Aftermath
The socialist movement, under the leadership of Francisco Largo Caballero, adopted a more revolutionary approach, advocating for land nationalization, the dissolution of religious orders, and reforms within the army and Civil Guard. In May 1934, the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) and the UGT (General Union of Workers) formed an alliance to combat fascism and establish a socialist federal republic.
The entry of CEDA ministers into the government in October 1934 sparked fears of a fascist takeover, leading to a general strike and an uprising in Asturias. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the army, resulting in widespread repression.
Government Crisis and the 1936 Elections
The repression following the October Revolution led to a government crisis and the eventual collapse of the Radical-CEDA coalition. New elections were called for February 16, 1936.
Left-wing parties formed the Popular Front, an alliance that included socialists, communists, and republicans. The Popular Front campaigned on a platform of amnesty for political prisoners, restoration of the 1931 Constitution, and a return to the reformist policies of the early republic.
The Popular Front and the Rise of Political Violence
The Popular Front emerged victorious in the 1936 elections, with Manuel Azaña becoming president and Santiago Casares Quiroga forming a government. The government immediately implemented measures such as granting amnesty to political prisoners, restoring Catalan autonomy, and resuming agrarian and social reforms.
However, the Popular Front government faced significant challenges, including escalating political violence and social unrest. Anarchists targeted churches, while the Falange, a fascist party, attacked unions and left-wing organizations. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo, a prominent right-wing politician, further heightened tensions.
The Military Uprising and the Spanish Civil War
On July 17, 1936, a military uprising led by General Francisco Franco and other officers began in Melilla, Morocco. The uprising quickly spread throughout Spain, marking the start of the Spanish Civil War.
Conclusion
The Second Spanish Republic was a period of intense political and social upheaval. The attempt to reverse the reforms of the early republic, coupled with rising political violence and polarization, created a fertile ground for the military uprising and the subsequent civil war. The republic’s efforts to address social inequalities and modernize Spain were ultimately overshadowed by the tragedy of the conflict.