Spain’s Second Republic: 1933-1936, From Right-Wing Rule to Civil War
The Conservative Biennium (1933-1935)
4.1. The Elections of 1933: The Right-Wing Government
On November 18th, general elections were conducted, with women voting for the first time. The left was disunited: Republicans and Socialists, facing internal conflicts, presented separate nominations. The right, however, was organized and presented a united front. Center-right parties won, inaugurating two years of conservative governments under President Alcalá Zamora.
4.2. Halting the Reforms
The new government, headed by Alejandro Lerroux, stalled the previous reform bills. Land reform was slowed, land was returned to the nobility, freedom of contracting was granted, and workers’ wages were lowered. A budget for religious cults and the clergy was approved. An amnesty was granted to the army involved in the Sanjurjada. Education spending was slightly reduced. This led to a radicalization of the PSOE and UGT. Radical sectors of the PSOE and the anarchists of the CNT declared open war against the government, resulting in strikes and conflicts.
4.3. The Revolution of October 1934
The left interpreted the entrance of the CEDA into the government as a drift towards fascism. In Asturias, miners carried out a social revolution, following an agreement between anarchists, socialists, and communists. The government sent the Legion from Africa, commanded by Franco, to suppress the uprising. In Catalonia, the rebellion was supported by Lluís Companys (President of the Generalitat), successor to Francesc Macià. Companys wanted to prevent the CEDA from entering the government due to its anti-autonomist stance.
4.4. The Crisis of the Second Biennium
The Statute of Autonomy was suspended, and the law protecting tenant farmers was changed, requiring them to pay income. The Jesuits were reinstated. Gil Robles (CEDA) was appointed Minister of War, and Francisco Franco was made Chief of Staff. The CEDA sought to amend the Constitution, abolishing divorce and denying the possibility of land expropriation. 1935 saw a major government crisis. The Radical Party was hit by scandals of corruption and misappropriation of funds. Gil Robles wanted to be appointed Chairman of the Government, but Alcalá Zamora refused and called for new elections.
The Triumph of the Popular Front
5.1. The Elections of February 1936
The left-wing parties grouped together in the Popular Front, a coalition based on a program that defended granting amnesty to those imprisoned after the October 1934 Revolution and the application of reformist legislation that had been suspended by the radical-CEDA coalition. The CNT did not enter the pact. The right-wing formed coalitions constituted by the CEDA, monarchists, and traditionalists. The left won. As agreed, the government was formed by Republicans (Republican Left and Republican Union), while the Socialists provided support. Manuel Azaña was appointed president, and Casares Quiroga became head of government.
5.2. The Popular Front in Power
The new government decreed an amnesty and forced companies to reinstate workers who had been dismissed for strikes in 1934. The government restored order and re-established the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia. The government resumed the reformist process. Revolutionary anarchists defended direct action, and socialists, led by Largo Caballero, wanted radical solutions. Strikes were called to demand improved working conditions. The new situation was rejected by some employers, who closed factories. The Falange and other groups fostered a climate of civil conflict, launching campaigns against the Church and the Republic.
5.3. Towards the Coup d’État
The climate of violence favored groups that wanted to carry out a coup d’état against the Republic. The military conspiracy had little strength and poor organization until Emilio Mola took the lead. His plan consisted of organizing a military uprising in all possible garrisons, with the army in Africa (commanded by Franco) being the best prepared. Contacts were made with Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. On July 14th, José Calvo Sotelo (a Royalist leader) was murdered in response to the murder of Lieutenant Castillo. This triggered the uprising, which began in Morocco on July 17th, marking the start of the Spanish Civil War.