Second Spanish Republic: Reforms, Political Shifts, and Civil War Origins
Second Spanish Republic: Key Stages and Events
Many political parties, seeing the impossibility of solving Spain’s problems under a monarchy, opted for a new republic. By 1930, Republican, Socialist, and Nationalist forces reached the San Sebastian Pact, paving the way for the Second Spanish Republic. Following strikes, mass movements, and the resignation of General Berenguer, municipal elections were held. Two major blocs emerged:
- Monarchists: Aiming to restore the monarchy.
- Republicans: Advocating for a government without a king and defending the republican system.
Republicans won a majority in most cities, leading to the king’s departure. On April 14, 1931, the Republic was proclaimed, and a provisional government, mainly from the San Sebastian Pact, was formed. Political parties aligned into right (CEDA, Falange), center (Lerroux’s Radical Party), and left (Republican Left, PSOE, PCE).
The provisional government drafted the 1931 Constitution, inspired by the German Weimar Constitution, featuring:
- Extensive bill of rights
- Unitary state with potential for autonomous regions
- Capitalist market economy with state planning
- Unicameral legislature
- Universal suffrage for men and women
- Secular state, freedom of religion, prohibition of religious schools
- Free, compulsory public education
Phases of the Second Republic
1st Stage: Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
This phase, from the Republic’s start until the 1933 elections, saw a government led by Socialists and Republicans. Alcalá Zamora was elected president, and Manuel Azaña was appointed prime minister. They aimed for reforms to combat poverty, but faced resource scarcity and opposition from right-wing parties and some military sectors. Key reform areas included:
- Regional Problem: Catalonia’s republic within a federal state and autonomy negotiations.
- Army Reform: Aiming for loyalty to the Republic and reorganization, but facing anti-Republican resistance.
- Religious Reform: Separation of church and state, clergy budget cuts, dissolution of the Society of Jesus, civil marriage and divorce.
- Education and Culture Reform: Addressing illiteracy and lack of education.
- Agrarian Reform: Ending landlordism, punishing absenteeism, and providing land to tillers.
2nd Stage: Radical-Conservative Biennium (1933-1935)
In the 1933 elections, center-right parties won. A Radical government led by Lerroux, with parliamentary support from the CEDA, was formed. Alcalá Zamora, doubting CEDA’s loyalty to the Republic, tasked Lerroux with forming the government. This period saw the suspension of many previous reforms, leading to increased social unrest and left-wing radicalization. When Lerroux included three CEDA ministers, the left called a general strike, which failed except in Asturias and Catalonia. This period marked a polarization into conservative (authoritarian, Catholic, ambiguously Republican) and democratic (Republican and progressive) groups, ultimately leading to the Civil War.
Prelude to Civil War
The response to the new government reflected the will to defend the democratic republic against authoritarianism and fascism. Spain became increasingly polarized, heading towards the impending Civil War.