Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Modernization
The Left Biennium Reforms (1931-1933)
Question of Religious Influence
One of the main objectives of the republic was to limit the influence of the church, providing for a non-confessional state, religious freedom, and the abolition of the budget for worship and clergy. Divorce and civil marriage were also allowed. The government took control of education, forbidding religious orders from teaching and limiting their property ownership. The most serious confrontation occurred with the Jesuits, due to their vow of obedience to the Pope. The Jesuit order was dissolved, and its assets were nationalized.
Army Modernization
The Republican government aimed to create a professional and democratic army. This involved reducing troops, decreasing the number of officers, ensuring their obedience to civilian authority, and ending military intervention in politics. A law was enacted allowing officers to retire with full pay. Later, the Assault Guard, a public order force loyal to the republic, was created. The reform achieved a reduction in military expenditures but hindered the modernization of weapons and materials. It was also perceived as an attack on military tradition. The right-wing used this discontent to encourage revolt against the republic.
Land Reform
The intention was to end the dominance of large estates in southern and central Spain and improve the living conditions of rural workers. Land reform was essential, given the role of agriculture in the economy. Initial orders prohibited terminating leases, established an 8-hour workday, and set minimum wages. The core of the reform was the creation of an agrarian reform law, which aimed not for a radical change but for the modernization of agriculture. Initial results were poor, as far fewer farmers were settled than expected.
Centrist State Reform
In Catalonia, on April 14, 1931, Francesc Macià proclaimed the Catalan Republic. Negotiations between the government of the republic and Catalan leaders led to the annulment of this decision in exchange for the formation of a provisional self-government. The statute was approved by popular referendum with 99% of the vote, and Francesc Macià was elected president of the Generalitat.
In the Basque Country, the PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) and the Carlists approved a draft statute in June 1931. However, approval was delayed due to military opposition. In October 1936, the statute was adopted, and José Antonio Aguirre was elected the first Lendakari (President of the Basque Government).
In Galicia, nationalist consciousness was less pronounced, and Galician nationalism was far from being a hegemonic power. In June 1936, a draft statute was created but could not be approved due to the outbreak of the civil war.
Educational and Cultural Work
Another important reform was in education. The aim was to promote a liberal and secular education for the entire population. 10,000 schools were created, along with 7,000 places for teachers, in an attempt to end the hegemony of religious education. Schools adopted a mixed model: secular, compulsory, and free. Republican leaders were convinced of the need to improve the cultural level and promoted campaigns aimed at the poorest sectors. “Pedagogical Missions,” mobile groups consisting of students, teachers, and intellectuals, were established.
Labor Reforms
Caballero initiated reforms to improve labor conditions. The Employment Contracts Act and the law of mixed juries were passed. Working hours were established at 40 hours per week, wages were stimulated to increase, social insurance was promoted, and working hours for farmers were reduced. These measures resulted in irritation among employers’ organizations.