The Spanish Second Republic: Reform and Instability (1931-1933)

Posted on Oct 23, 2024 in History

The Spanish Second Republic (1931-1936)

The 1931 Constitution and the Reformist Two-Year (1931-1933)

Proclamation of the Republic

The success of republican candidates in urban areas led to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic on April 14, 1931. King Alfonso XIII, isolated and lacking support, went into exile. A Provisional Government, led by Alcalá Zamora and comprised of left and right republicans, socialists, and nationalists, was formed to govern until a constituent assembly could be elected.

Initial Reforms

The Provisional Government immediately addressed demands for reform, initiating measures related to agrarian, labor, military, and educational reform, and beginning the implementation of the Catalan Statute.

Social and Political Tensions

The social atmosphere quickly became tense. The anarchist CNT launched a widespread strike campaign, and confrontations between the Church and the new government arose. The conservative sector of the Church, led by Cardinal Segura, actively opposed the government. Anti-clerical sentiment resurfaced, leading to attacks and arson against churches and convents in 1931. Catholic public opinion largely turned against the republican regime.

The 1931 Constitution

Elections held in June 1931 resulted in a republican-socialist coalition victory. The new constitution, approved in December 1931, reflected the ideology of this coalition. Key features included:

  • Popular Sovereignty: Defined Spain as a republic of workers of all kinds.
  • Universal Suffrage: Granted women the right to vote.
  • Extensive Rights and Freedoms: Including civil rights such as divorce and equality for illegitimate children, and the right to education.
  • Power of the State:
    • Legislative Power: Held by a unicameral parliament.
    • Executive Power: A President of the Republic with limited powers, and a Head of Government appointed by the President with parliamentary approval.
    • Judicial Power: Held by the judicial tribunals.
  • Regional Autonomy: Recognized the right of regions to create autonomy statutes.
  • Secular State:
    • Separation of Church and State.
    • Elimination of Church and clergy budget.
    • Prohibition of Church involvement in education.
    • Freedom of religion and conscience.

The Reformist Two-Year (1931-1933)

Azaña’s Presidency and Reforms

With the constitution approved, a new government began under the presidency of Manuel Azaña, formed by left-wing republicans and socialists. Alcalá Zamora was elected President of the Republic. The republican-socialist government initiated a broad program of reforms amidst an unfavorable economic context marked by rising unemployment. Key reforms included:

  • Labor Reforms: Led by socialist Largo Caballero, these reforms favored workers and unions, facing strong opposition from employers.
  • Education Reform:
    • Expansion of school construction and increased teacher salaries.
    • Co-educational schooling.
    • Removal of mandatory religious education, leading to conflict with the Church.
  • Military Reform: Aimed at ensuring army loyalty to the Republic through rank reductions and an oath of loyalty. Those refusing the oath could retire with full pay.
  • Agrarian Reform (1932): Intended to resettle landless peasants on underutilized estates. Its implementation was largely considered a failure, benefiting few peasants and leading to widespread disappointment.

Opposition and Tensions

The traditional right, disorganized after the Republic’s proclamation, coalesced around groups like the National Economic Union and Lerroux’s Radical Party, a center-right party that led parliamentary opposition. The revolutionary left, including the CNT (influenced by the anarchist FAI) and the smaller Communist Party (PCE), continued their activism against the government. The economic crisis, the CNT’s radicalism, and employer resistance to reforms created a climate of social confrontation. Clashes between strikers and the Civil Guard were frequent and often violent. Debates over the Catalan Statute and the Agrarian Reform Law provoked strong opposition from the right. Conservatives again invoked fears of military intervention, culminating in General Sanjurjo’s failed coup attempt in Seville in 1932.