The Second Spanish Republic: From Monarchy to Civil War
The Second Spanish Republic: From Monarchy to Civil War
1. Regime Change and the Rise of the Republic
The fall of the monarchy paved the way for urban development and ultimately led to regime change in 1931. Following the proclamation of the Republic on April 14th, negotiations between the government, led by Count Romanones (Minister of State), and revolutionary committees resulted in King Alfonso XIII’s exile. Niceto Alcalá-Zamora assumed power and initiated the transformation of the state.
The interim government, with representatives from various parties including Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, garnered widespread support for change. However, the government’s anti-clerical stance provoked a strong reaction from the Church, leading to unrest and damage to the Republic’s image.
Constituent Cortes elections held on June 28th saw high participation, with socialist and republican parties securing a majority in most provinces. Nationalists and traditionalists won in the Basque Country and Navarre, creating a divided Congress. Carlos Julián was elected President of the Chamber.
Heated debates ensued regarding the relationship between Church and State, leading to the resignation of Alcalá-Zamora and Maura. Manuel Azaña, the War Cabinet Minister, filled the power vacuum.
The Constitution, adopted on December 9, 1931, established Spain as a secular democratic state with universal suffrage, including women’s right to vote. A strong central government was established. Alcalá-Zamora was elected President, and Azaña was confirmed as Prime Minister.
2. The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
Following the adoption of the new Constitution, a series of reforms were implemented to modernize Spanish society.
2.1 Education Reform
The government prioritized education, establishing primary schools and implementing curriculum reforms.
2.2 Military Reform
Azaña addressed the outdated military by offering early retirement to numerous officers, significantly reducing the size of the officer corps. Military jurisdiction was reduced, and the Zaragoza Military Academy was closed.
2.3 Agrarian Reform
Following General Sanjurjo’s failed monarchist uprising in August 1932, Azaña pushed through agrarian reform legislation.
2.4 Labor Reform
Under the direction of Socialist Minister Francisco Largo Caballero, labor reforms were implemented, including an eight-hour workday and extended contracts, angering business owners but inspiring hope among workers.
2.5 Statutes of Autonomy
The Constitution allowed for provincial autonomy. Catalonia’s Statute of Autonomy was approved in 1932, but the Basque Country faced divisions due to differing political views and the exclusion of Navarre from the statute.
2.6 Economic Downturn and Unemployment
The effects of the 1929 crisis hit Spain, leading to rising unemployment and the return of emigrants.
2.7 Social Conflict
The government’s reformist approach clashed with revolutionary sentiments, leading to increased social conflict. The Casas Viejas incident in January 1933 exemplified this tension.
2.8 The Rise of the Right
The right-wing Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas (CEDA) emerged, opposing the Republic’s reforms. Other right-wing groups, including the monarchists and the nascent Falange Española, gained traction.
3. The 1933 Elections and the Biennium of the Right (1933-1935)
The November 1933 elections saw high participation, including women voting for the first time. The right-wing parties won, with Alejandro Lerroux’s Radical Republican Party leading the way. The new government reversed some of the previous reforms, leading to social unrest and violence.
4. The Popular Front and the Road to Civil War (1936)
In response to the rise of fascism in Europe, the Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, was formed. Their victory in the February 1936 elections led to further social unrest and violence. The assassination of José Calvo Sotelo, a right-wing leader, further escalated tensions.
On July 17, 1936, a military uprising in Spanish Morocco marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.
5. The Basque Statute
Following World War I, there was a push for Basque autonomy. The Statute of Estella, drafted in 1931, was rejected by the Spanish government. A revised statute, excluding Navarre, was approved in 1936 following the Popular Front’s election victory.
6. Culture and Social Change During the Second Republic
The Second Republic saw a cultural flourishing, with increased literacy and publications. Women’s social status improved with the right to vote, divorce law, and educational opportunities.
7. The Civil War and its Aftermath
The military uprising led to a divided Spain, with the Republicans controlling major cities and the Nationalists, led by Franco, gaining ground. Foreign intervention played a significant role, with Germany, Italy, and Portugal supporting Franco, while the Republic received support from the International Brigades and the Soviet Union.
The war resulted in widespread devastation and loss of life. Franco’s victory in 1939 ushered in a period of dictatorship.