The Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Conflicts (1931-1933)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1933)
The Provisional Government (April-June 1931)
Following the abdication of King Alfonso XIII, a provisional government headed by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora was formed. This government called for elections on June 28th and enacted decrees focusing on labor, education, the military, and church relations.
Key Reforms of the Provisional Government
Labor
- 8-hour workday
- Priority hiring for local workers
- Landowners required to provide work or compensation
Education
- Creation of thousands of new teaching positions
- Increased teacher salaries
- Establishment of a basic library network
Military
- Offered retirement to military personnel
- Closure of the Zaragoza Military Academy
- Annulment of promotions related to Primo de Rivera’s policies
- Creation of the Assault Guard (a republican police force)
Church Relations
The Church, traditionally aligned with the monarchy, adopted a cautious stance. While bishops urged the Vatican to respect the new republic, two events heightened tensions:
- A pastoral letter critical of the Republic, read in all parishes
- Burning of convents in Madrid in May 1931, attributed to monarchist provocateurs
The 1931 General Elections and the Constitution
The June 1931 elections resulted in a victory for left and center parties. The right was disorganized and performed poorly. The new government embarked on drafting a new constitution.
Women’s Suffrage
The issue of women’s suffrage was a key debate. Victoria Kent opposed immediate suffrage, while Clara Campoamor advocated for it. Ultimately, women gained the right to vote.
Key Features of the 1931 Constitution
- Popular sovereignty
- Secular state and freedom of religion
- Unicameral legislature
- Guarantee of individual rights and freedoms
- Provision for regional autonomy
- Universal suffrage
- Introduction of the concept of “social utility”
Controversial Aspects of the Constitution
- Treatment of the Catholic Church
- Lack of representation for certain political groups
Catalan Autonomy
In 1931, the Generalitat of Catalonia was restored. A draft Statute of Autonomy was approved by referendum in August 1932, after significant debate and revisions.
First Catalan Parliament Elections
- President of the Generalitat: Francesc Macià
- Head of Government: Lluís Companys
The Working Class and the Republic
Anarcho-syndicalist groups, primarily the CNT-FAI, viewed the Republic with suspicion and advocated for revolutionary change.
The Constitutional Government (1931-1933)
The government continued reforms initiated during the provisional period, focusing on the military, church, education, and land reform. Agrarian reform proved particularly controversial.
Agrarian Reform
- Expropriation of uncultivated land
- Distribution of land to farmers
Consequences of Agrarian Reform
- Complaints about the slow pace of land redistribution
- Illegal land occupations
- Growing alarm among landowners
Implementation of Agrarian Reform
Land was expropriated based on various criteria, including under-cultivation, speculative ownership, and excessive size. The goal was to redistribute land to peasant communities.
The Religious Issue
The government promoted civil marriage, divorce, and secular education. Legislation regarding religious congregations was also enacted.