The Second Spanish Republic: From Reform to Crisis
1 The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
Causes, Interim Government, and the Constitution of 1931
The Second Republic marks a pivotal moment in modern Spanish history. Its ambitious reforms faced strong opposition from the oligarchy, fueling tensions that ultimately led to the Civil War. The global impact of the Great Depression (USA 1929) further complicated the Republic’s efforts to consolidate a free democracy. Leftist Popular Fronts emerged in response to these challenges.
Following the Republican victory in the key municipal elections on April 14, 1931, the regime change was proclaimed. This victory paved the way for a constituent assembly tasked with implementing reforms impossible under the old regime. The provisional government, led by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, focused on social policy reforms. Key initiatives included the Municipal Decree, the 8-hour workday, and the Jurors Law.
Other significant reforms included:
- Military Reform: Minister of War Manuel Azaña implemented the Law of Retirement, affecting 40% of the army. He also reduced the number of captaincies general.
- Autonomic Issue: The government addressed the Catalan question, relying on the San Sebastián Pact to integrate the situation into the new republican legality.
Amidst these reforms, the burning of religious buildings and the first CNT strikes underscored the growing social unrest. The provisional government called for elections to the Cortes. Changes to the electoral system included lowering the voting age and increasing the premium for majority wins. The elections resulted in a Republican-Socialist landslide, with limited conservative representation.
Niceto Alcalá Zamora was named President, tasked with developing a new constitution. The 1931 Constitution established a democratic, parliamentary, secular, and decentralized state. Legislative power resided in the Congress of Deputies, to which the executive was subordinate. A Court of Constitutional Guarantees served as the main judicial body. Universal male suffrage was established (later extended to women), the President was elected by electoral colleges, and municipalities were elected by universal suffrage. The electoral law favored majorities. The Constitution also outlined the process for regions to achieve autonomy through statutes approved by the Cortes. Individual and social rights (including working hours and minimum wage) were enshrined, and the separation of church and state fueled rising anticlericalism.
The Bienio Reformista (1931-1933)
The provisional government underwent significant changes. Disagreements over Articles 26 and 27 (concerning religion) and the refusal of some to continue working with socialists led to the Socialist party’s temporary exit from the government, leaving the Radical party in a dominant position. The impact of the global economic crisis was less severe in Spain due to its semi-closed economy, but it still hindered modernization efforts. Two key negative factors were the foreign trade crisis and rising unemployment.
Further reforms were implemented:
- Agrarian Reform: Efforts to redistribute land ownership affected small and medium landowners, creating tension between owners and laborers.
- Social and Labor Reforms: Spearheaded by Largo Caballero, these included the creation of employment contracts and mixed juries.
- Educational Reform: The government invested in schools, teachers, and libraries.
- Regional Autonomy: The government accepted Francesc Macià’s proposal for Catalan autonomy in exchange for Catalan support for the Republic. The PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) remained loyal to the Republic. The Galician Statute was approved by referendum, but its implementation was hampered by the outbreak of the Civil War.
The government faced opposition from anti-liberal right-wing groups, including fascists, Carlists, monarchists, and the conservative Catholic right. Social opposition also arose from the left. The CNT advocated for apolitical trade unionism but followed the FAI’s line, refusing to cooperate with the UGT. Anarchists proclaimed anarchist communism during strikes against Azaña’s government, prompting the Socialists to leave the government. The social conflict was exacerbated by the economic crisis, and the Socialists struggled to control the UGT members.
President Alcalá Zamora used a government crisis to withdraw his support from Azaña and asked Alejandro Lerroux to form a new government. Early elections were called. The right-wing parties formed a coalition, while the Republicans failed to unite, and the PSOE ran alone. The CNT called for abstention, resulting in lost votes for the left. Women’s votes tended to favor the right.