Spain’s Second Republic (1931-1933): Reforms and Challenges
Spain’s Second Republic (1931-1933)
This historical period covers only two years (1931-1933). The municipal elections of April 12, 1931, were won in the big cities by a coalition of Republicans and Socialists. King Alfonso XIII abdicated after the proclamation of the Second Republic by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, who established a provisional government. Elections were convened for the Constituent Cortes, a single-chamber parliament tasked with providing the Republic with a constitution, resulting in the Constitution of 1931.
The reform project aimed to create a democratic, secular, and just state. The challenges faced included issues with the army, the establishment of a secular state, agrarian reform, and social issues. These problems, along with an unfavorable international economic and political situation, led to new elections in November 1933.
The 1931 Constitution
The 1931 Constitution was the first republican constitution in the history of Spain. It was the result of an agreement between the Socialists and Left Republicans, though not fully accepted by the Republican right, indicating a lack of consensus. It defined Spain as “a democratic republic of workers of all kinds,” recognized regional autonomy, and declared a secular state. The Cortes was unicameral, and the President of the Republic was elected and accountable to Congress. The constitution introduced the institution of the jury and created a Court of Constitutional Guarantees. It contained a broad statement of rights and freedoms, recognizing women’s right to vote, civil marriage, and divorce. Primary education became compulsory and free. Finally, it recognized the right to private property, albeit subject to expropriation for social utility with compensation.
Niceto Alcalá Zamora was elected president of the republic and tasked Manuel Azaña with forming a government, initiating the reformist biennium. The global crisis of 1929 affected foreign trade, but economic difficulties were primarily due to a lack of investment, low production, and outdated technology. Economic policy remained loyal to capitalism, aiming to maintain a balanced budget and a strong currency. However, the reforms increased expenditures and intensified social conflict.
Key Reforms of the Biennium
- Military Reform: Aimed to create a modern and efficient army by reducing the number of officers. The retirement law offered officers voluntary retirement with full pay. The General Military Academy of Zaragoza was closed, and the Jurisdiction Act of 1906 was abolished. These measures increased opposition to Azaña.
- Secularization: A secular state was declared, and laws were enacted that were contrary to religious principles, such as the Divorce Act and the Law of Confessions and Religious Congregations. This law limited the property ownership of religious orders, removed them from education, and ordered the suppression of the Jesuits. This reform alienated conservative Catholics and the right wing.
- Regional Autonomy: The constitution defined an integral state compatible with regional autonomy. Catalonia was the first to initiate the process. The Statute of Nuria was drafted, presented to Parliament, and approved in 1932. This project underwent significant cutbacks; autonomous institutions, the Government, Parliament, and the Court of Cassation retained important powers in civil law, health, education, and social aspects. The Basque case was more challenging due to profound differences between the left and right. The Statute of Estella, which included the three Basque provinces and Navarre, failed due to its undemocratic and confessional nature. It was finally approved in 1936 during the Civil War. Galicia also developed a charter, but it did not reach the courts before the outbreak of the Civil War.
- Agrarian Reform: The main objectives were to end technical backwardness, low productivity, and inadequate ownership structure. In the north, small farms predominated, while large estates dominated the south. The Basic Law of Agrarian Reform sought to modernize techniques, end landlordism, and redistribute property by settling farmers on expropriated land. These lands included ancient manorial lands, poorly cultivated lands, perpetually leased lands, and non-irrigated lands. All owners, except the largest in Spain (after the coup attempt by Sanjurjo), were to be compensated. Large parcels of land were put up for sale at affordable prices for farmers. The implementation of this law was entrusted to the Institute of Agrarian Reform (IRA), which faced budget and management problems. The results were limited, causing impatience among peasant groups who resorted to land seizures and farm burnings. The events of Casas Viejas in Cadiz, where peasants of the CNT clashed with the Civil Guard, undermined the government’s credibility and contributed to its downfall. Landowners, opposed to the Republic, reorganized with the creation of Renovación Española (Alfonsists and some fascists) and CEDA (Catholics, landowners, etc.).
- Social Reforms: Working conditions were improved through the Employment Contracts Law and the Law of Mixed Juries, which regulated wages, layoffs, etc. Secular, compulsory, and free schools were established, increasing the budget for school construction and teacher hiring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this was a brief and complicated period that attempted to build a democratic and secular state. It initially generated hope for system improvement but ultimately led to mistrust and enmity. The CNT and FNTT radicalized and continued with strikes and demonstrations. CEDA’s electoral success led to a change in government. Sanjurjo’s coup attempt failed, Parliament was dissolved, and the 1933 elections were lost, paving the way for the center-right biennium.