The Second Spanish Republic and the Civil War: A Comprehensive Analysis
Unit 7: The Second Spanish Republic
7.1 Social Problems of the Republic and the Constitution of 1931
Following the resignation of Primo de Rivera, King Alfonso XIII commissioned General Dámaso Berenguer to form a government and restore the Constitution of 1876. However, the political system was discredited. On August 17, 1930, Republicans, Socialists, and some Monarchists signed the Pact of San Sebastian, forming an interim government to implement the Republic and later address the independence of Catalonia.
The Socialists promised to call a general strike if the army revolted, but the plan failed. Most committee members were dismissed, and the shooting of General Galán and García Hernández further discredited the monarchy.
Berenguer resigned, and his replacement, Admiral Juan Bautista Aznar, attempted to restore constitutional normality through elections. The Republicans won a significant victory, based more on the quality than the quantity of votes. General Sanjurjo placed himself under the orders of the Republican government, leaving the Monarchists without significant opposition. Alfonso XIII went into exile in Rome.
The new Constitution was approved in December 1931. It was considered a leftist constitution, with no conservative elements. Its most important features were:
- A democratic political system
- Unicameral legislature
- Popular sovereignty
- Executive power held by the President
- Legislative and judicial powers held by the Courts
- Universal suffrage
- Statutes of autonomy for Catalonia, with Macià as President of the Generalitat
- Individual and social rights
1.2 The Reformist Biennium
Following the resignation of Alcalá Zamora, Manuel Azaña assumed leadership and initiated major reforms to the state and society:
- Agrarian Reform: Distribution of land among peasants. This was a costly and slow process, leading to unrest, such as the Casas Viejas incident in Cádiz.
- Labor Reforms: Establishment of Joint Committees, municipal law, and an 8-hour workday.
- Military Reforms: Officials closed the military academy in Zaragoza and began to assess the length of service rather than merits.
- Educational Reform: Removal of Church control over education.
- Church Reform: Adoption of divorce and requiring the Church to abide by the Constitution.
Unit 8: The Spanish Civil War
8.1 Causes of the War
Clashes between political groups intensified. The Falange, led by Calvo Sotelo, attracted new and younger supporters, with the goal of an uprising against the Republic. The PSOE was deeply divided. Indalecio Prieto favored collaboration with the Republican left, while Largo Caballero advocated for a transition to a socialist regime. The clashes between the left and right deepened with the assassinations of Calvo Sotelo and José Castillo.
8.2 The Military Uprising
After the 1936 elections, preparations for the uprising began, led by General Yagüe in Morocco. The uprising spread throughout Spain, but cities like Barcelona resisted. The Fascists had the support of the Carlists, the Falange, much of the army, and many civilians, while the Republicans relied on workers’ militias. Manuel Azaña was the President of the Republic, with José Giral and later Largo Caballero as Prime Ministers.
General Sanjurjo, who was preparing to come to Spain to take command of the army, died in a plane crash. Francisco Franco was then designated as the supreme authority (Generalissimo).
8.3 Stages of the War
1. Battles in Madrid (1936-1937)
The Nationalists attacked Madrid but failed. An attempt to cut the road from Valencia resulted in the Battle of Jarama. A second attempt, with help from Italian troops, led to the Battle of Guadalajara.
2. Northern Campaigns (1937)
The Condor Legion bombed Guernica. Franco gained control of Bilbao, Santander, and Asturias, securing important industrial resources and ports in the Cantabrian region. While the Nationalists took control of the north, the Republicans attempted to recapture Madrid in the Battle of Brunete but failed.
3. Aragon Offensive (1938)
The Nationalists isolated Barcelona in the Battle of Teruel and reached the Mediterranean at Vinaroz, splitting the Republican territory. In a final attempt, the Republicans crossed the Ebro River towards Catalonia and Aragon to try to unify their territory, but after a long and bitter struggle, they were forced to retreat.
4. Catalonia Offensive (1938)
Barcelona fell. Negrín returned with the idea of continuing the war, hoping for French intervention. Colonel Casado staged a coup in Madrid but failed to negotiate with Franco. In 1939, Franco’s forces won the war.