Spain’s Second Republic: A Historical Account
The Second Spanish Republic
The Fall of the Monarchy
Alfonso XIII’s reign was marked by hindered progress, corruption, exploitation, and repression. The monarchy declined due to these factors. By 1931, the monarchy faced a crisis. The king appointed a new government and called for elections, misjudging the Spanish people’s discontent and expecting an endorsement of the monarchy.
However, Socialist, Republican, and other anti-monarchist forces campaigned intensely for a republic. The election results gave a slim majority to the monarchists, but they lost in 41 of 50 provincial capitals, a significant defeat despite corruption. People celebrated the prospect of a Second Republic and demanded the end of the monarchy.
Alfonso XIII, recognizing the situation and facing public rejection, left Spain on April 14, 1931, never to return. Alcalá-Zamora, Azaña, and Largo Caballero, among others, proclaimed the Second Republic from the Ministry of Interior. Citizens rejoiced as the long-awaited republic brought hope after years of hardship. The public embraced this historical moment with optimism.
Development of the Second Republic
The Second Spanish Republic had three distinct phases:
- The Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)
- The Right Biennium (1933-1935)
- The Popular Front (1936)
The Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)
This period focused on modernizing Spain and addressing its economic and social backwardness. The government drafted and approved one of the most advanced constitutions of its time. This constitution led to the first major confrontation with the Church.
Reforms included modernizing the army, land reform, granting autonomy to Catalonia and other regions, improving working conditions and wages, and expanding education and literacy. These reforms faced significant opposition from powerful oligarchic forces, including the army, the Church, big businesses, and conservative monarchists, who felt their traditional dominance threatened.
In August 1932, General Sanjurjo led a failed coup supported by anti-Republican forces and the Church. The global economic crisis of 1929 impacted the Republic, slowing down reforms and leading to discontent among workers and peasants who felt their expectations unmet. Strikes, demonstrations, and uprisings followed, notably the Casas Viejas incident, where the Civil Guard violently suppressed protesters. This event caused a government crisis, leading to the dissolution of the courts and new elections.
The Right Biennium (1933-1935)
The right won the 1933 elections. The Radical Party, led by Lerroux and supported by the right-wing CEDA, began reversing the progressive legislation of the previous period. The CEDA pushed for further right-wing policies, and the Falangists acted violently against leftist and progressive forces, leading to increased conflict. The CEDA joined the government, accelerating the reversal of reforms.
The left responded with a general strike, which had varying success. Workers in Asturias launched a significant revolutionary movement, and Catalonia proclaimed the “Estat Català.” Both initiatives were suppressed, with brutal repression by the army in Asturias. The CEDA gained more power and planned to overthrow the Republic. The Falange, with growing influence, incited armed revolt.
The rise of fascism in Italy and Germany influenced the European right during this time.
In Spain, the government planned to reform 42 articles of the constitution, representing a significant regression. A reform law was voted down, and scandals plagued the Lerroux government, leading to its resignation and new elections.