Spain’s Second Republic and Civil War: Reforms, Conflicts, and Aftermath

Posted on Nov 22, 2024 in History

The Second Republic (1931-1936)

Reformist Government (1931-1933)

The establishment of a democratic system followed the Republican victory in large cities. However, monarchists gained widespread support in rural areas, leading to unrest and attacks on religious institutions. This period saw significant reforms:

  • Catalan Autonomy: A Statute of Autonomy was approved in 1932, granting self-governance to Catalonia under the leadership of Francesc Macià and Lluís Companys.
  • Military Reform: The army was downsized, and the Military Academy of Zaragoza, led by General Franco, was closed.
  • Religious Reform: Jesuits were expelled, religious orders were banned from teaching, and state subsidies for religious institutions were eliminated.
  • Land Reform: Attempts were made to redistribute land, addressing the issue of large estates and landless laborers, particularly in southern Spain.
  • Education Reform: Secular education was promoted, following the model of the Free Institution of Teaching. New schools were created, teacher salaries were improved, and cultural outreach programs were established for rural areas.

These reforms faced challenges due to financial constraints and opposition from various sectors of society, including the Church, landowners, and right-wing parties. The Casas Viejas massacre, where government forces killed anarchist militants, contributed to the left-wing government’s defeat in the subsequent elections.

Conservative Government (1933-1936)

The 1933 general elections resulted in a victory for right-wing parties, led by the CEDA. A conservative coalition government was formed, slowing down the previous reforms. This led to revolts by left-wing parties and unions, notably in Asturias and Catalonia, which were suppressed by the army. Despite some economic successes, the government fell due to corruption scandals.

Popular Front Government (1936)

In February 1936, a coalition of left-wing parties, known as the Popular Front, won the general elections. A new government, led by Manuel Azaña, released prisoners from the 1934 revolts and attempted to continue with reforms. However, they faced increasing resistance, culminating in the assassination of former minister José Calvo Sotelo and a military coup.

The Civil War (1936-1939)

On July 17, 1936, the Spanish army in Morocco revolted against the Popular Front. The uprising, led by General Emilio Mola and later by Franco, gained support from monarchists, Carlists, and right-wing Republicans. The country was divided, and the Civil War began.

International involvement played a significant role. Franco received aid from Italy and Germany, while the Popular Front received support from the Soviet Union and international volunteers. The war progressed in stages:

  • The Campaign for the links: Nationalists secured the Strait of Gibraltar and connected their territories through Extremadura.
  • The Northern Campaign: Nationalists conquered Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country, gaining control of industrial areas and the northern coast.
  • The Catalonia Campaign: Franco’s forces advanced through Aragon and Catalonia, reaching the Mediterranean coast and closing the border with France.
  • The End of the War: After the fall of Catalonia, Republican commanders surrendered in Madrid, and the war ended on April 1, 1939.