The Second Spanish Republic: From Reform to Revolution
Historical Background
The international situation was marked by the crisis of 1929, leading to the Great Depression and social fears that fueled a crisis of democracy. Totalitarian movements like Stalinism on the left and Fascism on the right emerged. In Spain, economic stagnation produced social imbalances. The 1929 crisis increased unemployment and social polarization, exacerbated by a lack of democratic culture. This led to economic and social reforms by Republican governments, which faced significant opposition.
Provisional Government and the Constitution of 1931
Following the fall of the dictatorship, the Pact of San Sebastian paved the way for a Republic in Spain with autonomy for Catalonia. The provisional government implemented initial reforms:
- Army: Officers were forced to pledge allegiance to the Republic, key positions were eliminated, and merit-based promotions were suppressed.
- Education: Reforms aimed to combat illiteracy, establish an 8-hour workday, and mandate employer-provided work for farmers. Minimum wage was set, tenant evictions for non-payment were banned, and land cultivation became obligatory.
- Church: State subsidies were removed, and religious education became non-compulsory.
These reforms sparked controversy, leading to the burning of convents, the expulsion of Cardinal Segura, and strikes led by the CNT and FAI. Catalonia declared independence.
The Constitution of 1931
The 1931 Constitution, a democratic document incorporating socialist and republican ideas, aimed to radically change the state’s structure. Key features included:
- Suffrage for women
- Autonomy for municipalities and regions
- Land expropriation for social causes
- Freedom of religion, expression, assembly, and association
- Protection of workers’ rights
- Civil marriage and divorce
The right felt marginalized and began conspiring against the Republic.
The Biennium of Reform (1931-1933)
The government led by Manuel Azaña implemented significant reforms, with land reform and Catalan autonomy being the most contentious. Opposition came from monarchists, employers’ associations, and Lerroux’s party. Peasant uprisings and violent clashes with the Civil Guard further destabilized the situation. The attempted coup by General Sanjurjo, though unsuccessful, highlighted the growing discontent within the military and the right.
The Triumph of the Right (1934-1936)
The Radical-CEDA coalition government, led by Alejandro Lerroux and José María Gil Robles, marked a shift to the right. The left, divided and disillusioned, felt betrayed. The government faced a deepening economic crisis and a radicalized labor movement, leading to violent confrontations. The events of October 1934, including the Asturian miners’ revolt, further polarized the country.
The Triumph of the Popular Front (1936)
The Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, won the 1936 elections. The new government implemented an amnesty for political prisoners, accelerated land reform, and promoted autonomy. However, social unrest and political violence escalated. The Falange, a right-wing paramilitary group, clashed with leftist militias. The assassination of José Calvo Sotelo, a prominent right-wing leader, further heightened tensions.
The Anti-Democratic Uprising and the Civil War
The military uprising of July 1936, led by General Francisco Franco, marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. The uprising, supported by conservative and fascist elements, aimed to overthrow the Republic and establish an authoritarian regime. The war would last for three years and result in the victory of Franco’s forces, ushering in a decades-long dictatorship.
Key Events and Figures:
Counter-Reform Policies (1934-1936):
- Reduced agrarian reform budget
- Limited peasant settlements
- Lowered wages
- Facilitated tenant evictions
- Repealed municipal land expropriations
- Increased military presence
Revolution of October 1934:
- General strike and armed insurrection
- Social revolution in Asturias
- Violent repression by the government
Popular Front Government (1936):
- Amnesty for political prisoners
- Accelerated land reform
- Promotion of autonomy
- Increased social unrest and political violence
Key Figures:
- Manuel Azaña
- Alejandro Lerroux
- José María Gil Robles
- Francisco Franco
- Largo Caballero
- Indalecio Prieto
The Second Spanish Republic was a tumultuous period marked by significant social and political changes. The reforms implemented during this time, while aimed at modernizing Spain and addressing social inequalities, ultimately led to increased polarization and violence, culminating in the devastating Spanish Civil War.