The Second Spanish Republic: From Reform to Civil War
Economic Depression and Social Unrest
The regime change coincided with the global economic depression following the crash of the New York Stock Exchange in 1929. Fortunately, Spain had less dependence on the international market than other countries. Emigration to America also stopped. However, internal problems arose, such as agricultural unemployment, unequal land distribution, low international competitiveness, and a trade balance deficit. The government chose a policy of reducing public expenditure.
The slow pace of reforms led to impatience among many workers. The CNT (National Confederation of Labor) initiated its revolutionary project and promoted general strikes and peasant insurrections. The UGT (General Union of Workers) also joined through the National Federation of Agricultural Workers. Strikes, insurrections, and land occupations steadily increased, leading to assaults on city councils and arson. This led to distrust of the Azaña government by businesses, discouraging investment and worsening the economic situation.
Rise of the Right and Political Polarization
Republican reforms and social unrest displeased economic, social, and ideological elites. The center-right Radical Party of Lerroux attracted entrepreneurs, businesses, and landowners, leading to the formation of the Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights (CEDA). The Spanish Renovation and the JONS (Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional-Sindicalista) agitated against progress and the perceived danger of Marxism and a Bolshevik revolution.
General Sanjurjo attempted a coup but failed. In 1933, the Spanish Military Union was formed by right-wing and anti-reformist military personnel, who played an active role in the 1936 coup.
The 1933 Elections and the Rise of CEDA
The 1933 general elections were the first held under the 1931 constitution. The left was disunited, while the right was united and organized. The center-right parties, including Lerroux’s Radical Party and CEDA, won the election. The new government, headed by Alejandro Lerroux, paralyzed much of the agrarian reform. It also attempted to counter religious reforms with a budget for worship and clergy. An amnesty was approved for the military.
The discussion of the Basque Statute in the Cortes was halted, causing enmity with Basque nationalists. This led to a radicalization of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party), causing strikes and conflicts. In Catalonia, the Generalitat government remained in the hands of left-wing Republicans. It passed the Law of Cultivation Contracts, which guaranteed tenant farmers (Rabassaires) ownership of the land they worked by paying the owners prices set by the government. The Catalan League opposed the law, revealing major differences between Catalan social policies and those of other parties.
The 1934 Uprising and Growing Tensions
In 1934, CEDA was granted three ministerial portfolios. The left viewed this as a drift towards fascism and called for a general strike to prevent the consolidation of the new government, but it failed. In Asturias, miners staged a social revolution, taking control of the Civil Guard and replacing local councils with revolutionary committees. The government sent the Legion from Africa, commanded by General Franco, to suppress the uprising. The rebellion was defeated with a fierce crackdown that caused many casualties.
In Catalonia, the rebellion had the support of President Lluís Companys, who proclaimed the Catalan Republic on October 6th. The rebellion failed, and the government declared a state of war. The army occupied the Palace of the Generalitat, with many detainees, including Azaña.
CEDA’s influence in the government increased, with José María Gil Robles appointed Minister of War and Franco as Chief of Staff. CEDA also submitted a draft to amend the constitution. In Catalonia, the Statute of Autonomy was suspended.
The 1936 Elections and the Outbreak of Civil War
In 1935, a major governance crisis erupted. The Radical Party was affected by corruption scandals, including the Straperlo affair. New elections were called. The Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, campaigned on a program of amnesty, restoration of the Statute of Autonomy, and reinstatement of the Law of Cultivation Contracts. The right-wing formed the Catalan Front of Order, while others grouped into the National Front. The left won a majority, and a new government was formed exclusively by left-wing Republicans, with Manuel Azaña as president and Santiago Casares Quiroga as head of government.
The new government declared an amnesty for over 30,000 political prisoners, reinstated dismissed workers, and resumed the reform process. This was rejected by the right-wing Falange, fostering a climate of tension and civil confrontation. Falangists initiated violent actions against left-wing leaders. In Catalonia, the Generalitat and its institutions were restored, with Lluís Companys confirmed as president. Fortunately, the tension did not escalate into violence there.
Initially, the military conspiracy had little strength until Emilio Mola took charge. He planned a simultaneous uprising, with the army in Africa commanded by General Franco playing a prominent role. The conspiracy had the support of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. Following the assassination of José Calvo Sotelo, the rebellion began, marking the start of the Spanish Civil War.