The Spanish Second Republic: Reform and Instability (1931-1936)
The Spanish Second Republic (1931-1936)
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
Military Reform
Abolition of the offices of Captain-General and Lieutenant General, reduction of military units, and a retirement bill for officers. Military courts of honor and the Zaragoza Military Academy were dissolved.
Religious Reform
Separation of Church and State (Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution). Extinction of the clergy budget, dissolution of the Society of Jesus, and restrictions on teaching by religious orders. The 1933 Law of Congregations limited the assets of religious orders and allowed for their dissolution if deemed a threat to the state. Church properties were confiscated, civil marriage and divorce were established, and cemeteries were secularized.
Agrarian Reform
Azaña’s agrarian reform bill, approved in September 1932, allowed for the expropriation of uncultivated land, abandoned farms, and irrigated farms lacking irrigation. Compensation was provided for expropriated lands, except those belonging to the nobility. The Agrarian Reform Institute redistributed expropriated land to peasant communities via inter-provincial committees.
Catalan Autonomy
The Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia was approved in September 1932, establishing the region as autonomous under the Generalitat, comprised of a president, parliament, and executive council. Catalan became co-official with Castilian.
Social Reforms
- Municipal Law: Obligated employers to hire local workers.
- Mixed Juries Law: Established committees to improve working conditions.
- Education Reform: Promoted public education, increased the education budget, and aimed to increase the number of schools.
End of Azaña’s Government
These reforms faced opposition, leading to Azaña’s downfall. General Sanjurjo’s coup attempt in August 1932 failed. Anarchist-led peasant uprisings, such as the one suppressed in Casas Viejas, Cádiz, further destabilized the situation. Elections were called in April 1933.
The Radical-CEDA Biennium (1933-1936)
The CEDA, led by Gil Robles, won the 1933 elections, ushering in a right-wing government. Azaña’s reforms were reversed. President Alcalá-Zamora tasked Lerroux with forming a government. An amnesty law was passed for those involved in Sanjurjo’s coup. Agrarian reform was halted, religious congregations regained influence, and military reforms were stalled. Tensions between the right and left escalated, culminating in the Asturian Revolution.
The Asturian Revolution
In October 1933, the UGT and CNT allied to overthrow the government. Asturian workers launched an uprising, briefly controlling the province. The government quelled the rebellion with brutal force, leading to numerous deaths and arrests.
Government Instability
Political instability persisted. Alcalá-Zamora’s presidency was marked by crises, including corruption scandals within the Radical Party. The appointment of Portela Valladares as Prime Minister further strained relations with the left. The Cortes was dissolved.
The 1936 Elections and the Popular Front
The right-wing coalition included the CEDA, Lerroux’s Radical Party, Calvo Sotelo’s National Bloc, the Falange, and the JONS. They advocated for an authoritarian, unitary, and Catholic state. The left united under the Popular Front, comprising Republican Left, Republican Left of Catalonia, PSOE, UGT, PCE, CNT, and POUM. They sought to continue the reformist agenda and won the elections.
The Popular Front (February 1936 – July 1936)
Azaña became Prime Minister, adopting a conciliatory approach. However, political tensions remained high. Azaña’s deposition as President and the appointment of Casares Quiroga as Prime Minister led to a weak government. An amnesty for political prisoners and the reinstatement of dismissed officials further fueled right-wing discontent. The reoccupation of rural lands exacerbated tensions. Right-wing generals, including Franco and Mola, began plotting a coup. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo by Assault Guards, in retaliation for the murder of Assault Guard José del Castillo, further escalated the conflict, setting the stage for the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.