Second Spanish Republic: Military, Religious, Education
The Military Problem
Approach:
The army, as an institution, was offended by the alleged republican reforms. Many army soldiers were alarmed at the prospect of religious autonomy. Spain had lost all its overseas colonies. The army, mostly monarchist or conservative, viewed Republican reforms with deep suspicion.
Process:
Azaña, as Minister of War during the caretaker government, wanted to end the military macrocephaly. He sought to reduce its forces, ending the special privileges of the military and ensuring their obedience to the civil power. The Azaña Act offered the possibility of withdrawal for all generals and officers who did not wish to swear allegiance to the Republic. It also produced a reduction of existing divisions. The intention was to secure the loyalty of the military to the Republic, forcing them to swear loyalty to the regime, which the vast majority did.
Result:
The number of retired officers was less than expected, but above all, the Republic earned the enmity of the Africanists, who considered the reforms an attack on the military. The army responded with weapons. The coup failed, and Sanjurjo was imprisoned.
The Religious Problem
Approach:
Along with the agrarian reform, this was the most important and influential issue in the development of the Second Republic. The Republican administration intended to limit the influence of the church in Spanish society and promote the secularization of social life. This was reflected in the Constitution.
Process:
The church struggled to maintain its privileges in the face of the Republican reforms and had the support of the powerful and the humble faith of many. Republicans and Socialists in the government were determined to reduce the power of the Church. Throughout 1932 and 1933, the Republic was devoted body and soul to the enactment of legislation to end the influence of the Church in society:
- Dissolution of the Society of Jesus and confiscation of their property
- Removal, over two years, of the budget and funds of the clergy
- Civil marriage, divorce, and secularization of cemeteries
- End of compulsory religious education
- Law of congregations
Result:
The religious question, I think, created great confrontations for the republican regime and was one of their greatest challenges. Much of the hierarchy of the church showed their opposition to the Republic, mobilizing Catholic opinion against it, and CEDA appeared.
The Cultural and Educational Problem
Approach:
The church maintained its control over education. Education was considered a right that the state must give all citizens to ensure equal opportunities for all. The aim was to establish a coeducational, public, free, and compulsory education system.
Process:
The cultural and educational policy of the Second Republic was marked by the influence of the Free Institution of Education. Its purpose was to imitate the French model and create a unified education system, free, and at least in public elementary school. Although resources were few, there was a great effort to train teachers, build schools, and give scholarships to students who most needed or studied the most for further studies.
Outcome:
Initial projects were stalled by a lack of money, but an increase in the education budget was thus far made. The best thing would have been if the Republic had not attacked the religious orders, as they had good schools. In cultural policy, the Educational Mission and culture that led to rural areas were very important.