The Second Spanish Republic: From Democracy to Civil War
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)
The Second Republic, a pivotal moment in Spanish history, began in 1931 and concluded with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. The municipal elections of April 12th witnessed the downfall of the monarchy. Consequently, on April 14th, the Republic was proclaimed in Eibar and subsequently in several other cities. By nightfall, members of the Revolutionary Committee assumed control of the government and declared the Republic. Following the counsel of Romanones, Alfonso XIII departed the country.
Formation of the Provisional Government
The Revolutionary Committee, comprising the interim government, proclaimed the Republic. This government, under the presidency of Alcalá Zamora, included Fernando de los Rios, Larroux, Manuel Caballero Azana, and others. Excluded were the monarchist right coalition, the Basque nationalists, and the more radical workers’ movement.
Consolidation and Elections
This revolutionary government recognized the need to solidify the nascent Republic and call for elections to the Cortes. Having assumed power without elections, they sought to ascertain the level of popular support for each of its constituent forces. Thus, elections were held on June 28th. The results yielded a clear majority for the Republican-Socialist coalition.
Drafting the Constitution
The Cortes convened in July 1931 under the chairmanship of Julian Besteiro. Osorrio Gallardo was tasked with developing a draft constitution. Upon completion, it was submitted to the Parliament’s Constitutional Commission, which comprised representatives from all parliamentary groups. Jiménez (a socialist) spearheaded the commission.
The Republican Constitution of 1931
The republican constitution was adopted on December 9, 1931. It defined Spain as a democratic republic of workers of all kinds, influenced by the Socialist Party. Sovereignty resided in the people. It also defined Spain as an “integral state.” Following the Constitution’s approval, the Catalan Statute was prepared and ratified by a referendum, and the process for approving the Statutes of Euskadi and Galicia was initiated.
Key Features of the Constitution
- Bill of Rights: Broader than any previous constitution.
- Parliamentary Power: The main power was vested in the unicameral Parliament.
- President of the Republic: Elected by universal suffrage and appointed by Parliament.
- Government: Appointed by the President and subject to parliamentary approval.
- Constitutional Court: Established to judge the constitutionality of laws.
- Spanish Nationality: Defined for people living abroad.
- Pacifist Orientation: The new state embraced pacifism and international law.
- Anti-Fascism: The Constitution explicitly opposed fascism.
- New Flag: The colors of the flag were changed.
The Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)
Between December 1931 and September 1933, Manuel Azana led a government that implemented a program of reforms, including:
Army Reform
Azana sought to establish a professional and democratic army. He offered retirement to chiefs and officers and eliminated the ranks of Lieutenant General and Captain-General. These measures faced resistance from a significant portion of the army, leading to events like the Sanjurjada uprising on August 10, 1932.
Religious Reform
The Republic aimed to limit the influence of the Catholic Church and secularize social life. Reforms included abolishing compulsory religious education and removing crucifixes from schools. The Church resisted these changes, leading to tensions and the expulsion of Cardinal Segura and the Bishop of Vitoria from Spain.
Land Reform
Land reforms, initiated by Largo Caballero, were implemented even before the Constitution’s proclamation. Measures like the Decree of Municipal Boundaries and the Agrarian Reform Law yielded disappointing results.
Autonomy
The Constitution recognized the right to autonomy. In Catalonia, the Statute was approved on September 9th. In the Basque Country, the PNV emerged, and the Statute’s adoption was delayed until October 1936. In Galicia, a draft Statute was approved by plebiscite but never implemented.
Social and Educational Reforms
Reforms included the Employment Contracts Act and the Mixed Jury. The government’s focus on cultural development led to the creation of Educational Missions.
Rise of the Right and Polarization
Azana’s reforms alarmed the right, leading to the formation of new organizations like Spanish Action and the CEDA (led by Gil Robles). Monarchists founded Renovation Española and the Carlist Traditionalist Communion. Nationalists created JONS, which later merged with the Spanish Falange (led by Primo de Rivera).
Opposition to reforms fueled polarization, leading to armed confrontations between workers and law enforcement. The Casas Viejas massacre discredited the government and brought an end to the Progressive Biennium. Azana resigned, the President dissolved Parliament, and new elections were called for November 1933.
The Conservative Biennium (1933-1936)
The 1933 elections resulted in a center-right victory, with the Radical Party (Lerroux) and the CEDA (Gil Robles) as the dominant forces. The Radical Party governed, while the CEDA’s role was limited to parliamentary support due to threats from the Left. This division created tensions within both parties.
Radical Government (1933-1934)
Lerroux formed a government and addressed issues such as the religious problem (attempting to sign a Concordat with the Holy See) and the agrarian problem (not abolishing the Agrarian Reform Law but repealing the Municipal Boundaries Law). Clashes with Catalonia and the Basque Country arose over regional issues.
October Revolution of 1934
Differences between the Radical Party and the CEDA led to a split within the Radical Party. In 1934, the UGT organized a general strike in response to government measures. This context saw the October Revolution of 1934, with armed uprisings across the country. In Catalonia, Lluis Companys proclaimed the Catalan Republic, which was quickly dissolved. In Asturias, a revolutionary movement involving the CNT and the UGT was suppressed by government forces led by General Franco.
End of the Rightist Biennium (1934-1936)
The Republic’s right-wing period was marked by instability. The aftermath of the Asturian Revolution and scandals like the “estraperlo” affair weakened the government. Two major coalitions emerged: the National Bloc (led by Calvo Sotelo, Goicoechea, and Alba) and the Popular Front (a coalition of left-wing parties). The Radical-CEDA government continued its policies, facing criticism from Alcalá Zamora. The Lerroux government’s credibility was eroded by divisions and corruption scandals. Alcalá Zamora appointed Chapaprieta, who exposed the “estraperlo” scandal, forcing resignations within the government. Portela Valladares formed a government and called for new elections in January 1936.
The Popular Front and the Road to Civil War
In February 1936, the Popular Front won the elections. The right was divided and demoralized. The Popular Front pact included all left-wing parties and the Communists, except for the CNT. The right-wing coalition, formed by the National Bloc and the CEDA, lacked a solid program. The PNV also participated in the elections. The left’s victory was concentrated in major cities. Manuel Azaña replaced Alcalá Zamora as President, and Casares Quiroga was appointed Prime Minister. The left’s triumph triggered intense popular mobilization. Calvo Sotelo emerged as a leader on the right. The far-right experienced growth, and the imprisonment of Primo de Rivera heightened tensions within the Falange. A climate of civil unrest developed, with the idea of a coup d’état gaining traction. The Unified Socialist Youth, led by Santiago Carrillo, was formed. Violence escalated in cities and towns. The right-wing believed a coup was necessary to prevent a socialist revolution. General Mola took charge of the coup preparations. An initial attempt failed. The assassination of Lieutenant Castillo, followed by the murder of Calvo Sotelo, prompted Franco to join the uprising. Casares Quiroga remained inactive, and when the rebellion in Morocco began on July 17th, the Spanish Civil War became a reality.