Spain’s Second Republic: Democracy, Reforms, and Conflict
LA SEGUNDA REPÚBLICA
The proclamation of the Republic in April 1931 was the first attempt to establish a modern democratic system in Spain. Political power shifted from traditional groups to the middle classes, amidst revolutionary sentiments. The international context was unfavorable, with Europe reeling from the 1929 economic crisis and the rise of totalitarianism.
THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL PARTIES
Beginnings of the Republic: The Provisional Government
Signatories of the Pact of San Sebastián formed a revolutionary committee. In April 1931, the Republic was proclaimed, leading to Alfonso XIII’s exile. A provisional government, based on the Pact, was formed to prepare a new political framework. It called for a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. Political parties included the Left (PSOE, PCE, ERC), Center (Radical Party, Progressive Party), and Right (CEDA, Spanish Falange).
The Constitution of 1931
The 1931 Constitution established a democratic regime with broad political freedoms and social rights. It paved the way for major reforms in land, education, religion, and territorial organization. During the first two years, the Republic enacted laws for democratization and modernization. This dual political and social dimension reflected the aspirations of the working and middle classes, but faced opposition from conservative sectors like the Church, landowners, and gentry.
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS
First Stage: Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)
Manuel Azaña led a Republican-Socialist majority government, deepening constitutional reforms.
- The Religious Question: Separation of church and state, dissolution of the Society of Jesus, nationalization of assets, removal of clergy budget, secular education, divorce, civil marriage, and the Law on Religious Congregations (1933).
- Education: Establishment of public, secular, mixed, free, and compulsory education. Increased budget for elementary schools and creation of the Educational Mission for rural areas.
- The Military Question: Azaña aimed to create a professional, democratic army by reducing personnel and ensuring obedience to civil power. The Assault Guards, a new civil police force, were created.
- The Regional Problem: The 1931 Constitution recognized regional autonomy. Catalonia’s statute was approved, leading to the Generalitat with Macià as president. The Basque Country’s statute was delayed, and Galicia’s process was halted by the civil war.
- The Agrarian Problem: Addressing unequal land distribution and inefficient techniques. The Agrarian Reform Law allowed expropriation with compensation, creating the Institute for Agrarian Reform (IRA).
Second Stage: Radical-CEDA Biennium
The 1933 elections saw a center-right victory. Lerroux’s government, supported by CEDA, aimed to “correct” the previous left’s actions. CEDA’s desire for “all the power” raised socialist concerns.
October Revolution of 1934
The left perceived CEDA’s rise as fascism. CEDA’s admiration for Nazi Germany and inclusion in the government led to a socialist-led strike.
Third Stage: Triumph of the Popular Front
The Popular Front, an alliance of left and democratic forces against fascism, won the 1936 elections. It called for amnesty for 1934 prisoners and social reforms from the 1931-1933 biennium. The Popular Front Covenant was signed on January 15.