The Second Spanish Republic: From Reform to Revolution
Introduction
Following Primo de Rivera’s resignation, King Alfonso XIII failed to restore constitutionalism, appointing General Berenguer to continue the dictatorship. However, press censorship eased, and intellectual opposition to the regime grew. Republican and socialist parties united in the San Sebastián Pact, aiming to overthrow the monarchy. Their success in municipal elections and widespread demonstrations led to the proclamation of the Second Republic.
A provisional government, formed by members of the San Sebastián Pact, was met with high expectations. Landless laborers anticipated agrarian reform, industrial workers desired better wages and union rights, and many hoped for social, cultural, and educational reforms. Some envisioned regional autonomy, while radical leftists saw the republic as a step towards social revolution. Overall, there was a sense of a historical power shift from the oligarchy and the Church to the majority of society.
However, traditional sectors of society felt threatened. Landowners and industrialists feared rising labor costs and social revolution, the Church worried about losing influence, and conservative military officers viewed regional autonomy as a threat to Spain’s territorial integrity. Many conservatives considered democracy not only against their interests but also unpatriotic.
The international context was challenging. Constitutional regimes were giving way to dictatorships and fascism across Europe. The Great Depression caused widespread unemployment and economic hardship, making it difficult for the Republic to secure foreign capital.
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
Under President Alcalá-Zamora and Prime Minister Azaña, the left-wing coalition won the Constituent Cortes elections. A new constitution was drafted, including Article 26, which declared Spain a secular state.
Key Reforms
Reform of the Church
- Divorce and civil marriage legalized
- Cemeteries placed under civil jurisdiction
- Religious symbols removed from public buildings
- Catholicism ceased to be the official religion
- Religious education became non-compulsory
- Other religions permitted
- Religious orders subjected to taxes and property restrictions
- State funding for priests abolished
- Religious orders prohibited from teaching
Reform of the Army
- Law of Jurisdictions abolished
- Officers required to swear loyalty to the Republic
- Army divisions reduced
- Senior officers retired
- Zaragoza Military Academy closed
- Merit-based promotion frozen
Agrarian Reform
The Agrarian Reform Law aimed to redistribute uncultivated land from large estates (latifundia) to landless laborers. However, slow implementation and lack of government funds led to frustration and radicalization among both laborers and landowners.
Labor Reform
- Wages increased
- Arbitration committees established
- Eight-hour workday implemented
- Paid holidays and sick leave introduced
Education Reform
- Religious orders banned from education
- Extensive school building program launched
- Teacher training programs expanded
- Teaching Missions created to improve rural education
Autonomy
Catalonia’s autonomy statute was approved. However, the Basque Country’s proposed statute, which included Navarre and provisions conflicting with the constitution’s separation of church and state, was rejected.
Problems and the Biennium’s End
- General Sanjurjo’s attempted coup was suppressed.
- Violent strikes and clashes over agrarian reform, including the Casas Viejas incident, led to repression and socialist withdrawal from the government.
- President Alcalá-Zamora dismissed Azaña and appointed a Radical minority government, leading to new elections.
The Government of the Right (1933-1935)
Right-wing parties, including the CEDA, dominated the new Cortes. Lerroux became Prime Minister, governing in coalition with the CEDA. Reforms of the previous biennium were largely reversed.
The October Revolution of 1934
Fearing a right-wing drift towards authoritarianism, the socialists called a general strike. Catalonia’s president proclaimed a Catalan state within a Spanish Federal Republic. The uprising was quickly crushed, and Catalan autonomy suspended. The Asturias revolution became a polarizing event, further dividing the left and right.
The Government’s End
Financial scandals forced Lerroux’s resignation. President Alcalá-Zamora dissolved parliament and called new elections.
The Victory of the Popular Front and the Road to Civil War (1936)
The left united under the Popular Front, while the right formed the National Bloc. The highly polarized election campaign framed the choice as one between democracy and fascism. The Popular Front won by a narrow margin.
The left reinstated previous reforms, but social unrest intensified. Strikes, land seizures, and political violence escalated. Clashes between leftist militants and Falangist and Carlist groups created an atmosphere of terror. The stage was set for the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.