October 1934: The Spanish Revolution and its Aftermath
The October 1934 Revolution
In October 1934, escalating political tensions in Spain culminated in a revolutionary uprising. Alejandro Lerroux’s government, accused of being monarchist, fascist, and anti-worker, faced opposition from the left. This led to a planned general strike on October 5th in Asturias and Catalonia, although the strikes unfolded differently in each region.
Asturias
In Asturias, the miners launched a social revolution. Prior coordination between anarchists, socialists, and communists resulted in the formation of the Workers’ Alliance, known as the UHP (Hermanos Unidos Proletarios). The strike involved significant violence, destruction, and loss of life. Upon receiving news of the uprising, the Lerroux government mobilized the army and sought support from France to prevent the rebellion’s spread. After several weeks of intense fighting, the government regained control of Asturias and violently suppressed the movement.
Catalonia
In Catalonia, the protest began on October 6th. The Catalan government, led by Lluís Companys, declared a Catalan State within the Spanish Republic. This move was perceived as a threat by the central government, which viewed autonomy as dangerous and leading to the paralysis of the state. The rebellion was swiftly quelled with a declaration of war and the occupation of the Generalitat Palace. Government officials were imprisoned, and the Statute of Autonomy was temporarily suspended. The Contracts of Cultivation Act was reinstated. Azaña, who happened to be in Barcelona, was also imprisoned, which would later contribute to his political rehabilitation and regained popularity.
Consequences of the October Revolution
The revolutionary movement destabilized the government. The CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas) advocated for the death penalty and full enforcement of sentences, while President Alcalá-Zamora called for restraint. The Radicals refused to be held responsible for such harsh repression. This resulted in the resignation of three CEDA ministers. However, these disagreements were eventually overcome, and the CEDA emerged stronger, with five ministers joining the new government in 1935, including Gil Robles as Minister of War. Gil Robles appointed General Franco as Chief of Staff in July 1936.
Following the October Revolution, the Republic was weakened, and right-wing extremists gained prominence, while the left became increasingly radicalized.
The Right-Wing Government Crisis
In late September 1935, a political scandal known as the “Straperlo Affair” triggered a government crisis. This scandal involved bribes for gambling licenses. Several members of Lerroux’s government resigned, fracturing the radical-CEDA coalition and leading to a political breakdown.
A new government was formed, headed by a moderate Republican. This government was deeply divided, comprising Radicals, Agrarians, and three CEDA ministers, including Gil Robles as Minister of War. Due to its internal divisions, the government struggled to implement a coherent political agenda.
Gil Robles saw an opportunity and urged President Alcalá-Zamora to appoint him as head of government, aiming to initiate constitutional reform. However, the president instead appointed a trusted associate as Prime Minister in December. Disappointed and angered by his inability to form a government despite the CEDA being the largest party, Gil Robles considered the president’s actions unconstitutional and contemplated a coup d’état. After consulting with some generals, including Franco, who advised against it, Gil Robles resigned as Minister of War. This marked a turning point in his career, as he missed the opportunity to seize power when he was close to it. He hesitated and ultimately left the initiative to the military.
The Portela Valladares government was a centrist administration without Radicals or CEDA members. Its primary objective was to dissolve Parliament and hold elections in February 1936. Alcalá-Zamora, fearing both a right-wing dictatorship and a leftist revolution, opted for Portela Valladares, an independent. The Lerroux coalition had become unworkable.
General Batet, at Lerroux’s request, proposed sending troops to Companys. Companys rejected the proposal and surrendered.