The Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Conflicts (1931-1933)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1933)
Formation and Initial Reforms
The Provisional Government, formed on April 14, 1931, focused on holding general elections for the Constituent Cortes. These elections, held on June 28, resulted in a victory for the Republican-Socialist alliance. On December 9, the new Constitution was approved, enshrining classic individual rights, including freedom of association and assembly. Following the Constitution’s approval, Alcalá-Zamora was elected President and Manuel Azaña formed a government.
Key Reforms of the Reformist Biennium
This initial period saw significant legislative activity and innovative reforms. These reforms impacted powerful groups accustomed to dominance (landowners, the Church, and the military), leading to strong opposition.
Church-State Relations
The predominantly conservative ecclesiastical hierarchy resisted losing its ideological, cultural, and social influence. A strong anti-clerical sentiment further fueled the Church-State conflict. Government policies included the separation of Church and State, elimination of clergy stipends, religious freedom, civil marriage, and divorce.
Military Reform
Azaña’s military reforms aimed to reduce the military’s political power, streamline its structure, and improve efficiency. Key measures included requiring officers to swear allegiance to the Republic, suppressing military jurisdiction, offering retirement options, reorganizing army units, and relocating the Zaragoza Military Academy. The Republican Assault Guard, a national police force, was established to maintain public order.
Agrarian Reform
The significant land inequality and rural poverty, particularly in Extremadura and Andalusia, demanded attention. The Republicans advocated for small land ownership and increased productivity. Largo Caballero, the Minister of Labor, implemented reforms including mandatory local hiring, compulsory land cultivation, an eight-hour workday, workers’ compensation insurance, and retirement and maternity benefits. The Agrarian Reform Law of 1931 formalized these measures and established the Agrarian Reform Institute.
Educational Reform
Educational reforms aimed to reduce illiteracy and improve the cultural level of the population. Education became compulsory, free, and secular. The Ministry of Public Instruction expanded schools, improved teacher training, and established new research centers. Initiatives like the Pedagogical Missions and La Barraca, a student theatre group led by García Lorca, brought culture and education to all parts of Spain.
Catalan Autonomy
The Republican Constitution addressed regional autonomy aspirations. Catalonia drafted a Statute of Autonomy, approved in September 1932, granting significant legislative and executive powers to the Catalan government.
Consequences and Aftermath
These reforms, enacted during the Reformist Biennium (1931-1933), generated unrest among powerful groups (landowners, the Church, and the military). A right-wing government in 1934 reversed many of these reforms. However, the Popular Front’s victory in 1936 saw their reinstatement. The powerful groups’ resistance to these reforms contributed to the radicalization of the left.