Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms and Challenges
1. The Provisional Government (1931 Constitution)
On April 14, 1931, the Republic was officially proclaimed in Spain, leading to Alfonso XIII’s exile. A provisional government, led by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, was formed based on the Pact of San Sebastian’s agenda. Constituent Cortes, elected by universal male suffrage, were convened to draft a new constitution.
Political parties during this period reflected European ideologies:
- Left: CNT syndicalists, PCE, PSOE (largest), and Republican Left.
- Center: Republican Party and Radical Republican Party (Lerroux and Alcalá-Zamora).
- Right: CEDA (Gil Robles), traditionalists, pro-Fascists (Falange Española de las JONS), and Carlists.
- Regional: PNV and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya.
The elections gave victory to the Pact of San Sebastian signatories, with PSOE as the largest party. The provisional government made significant decisions, including granting Catalonia autonomous status (Generalitat).
To address peasant misery, Francisco Largo Caballero implemented measures like mandatory cultivation and an eight-hour workday. Education reforms aimed to eradicate illiteracy and promote secular education, including coeducation and non-binding religious instruction.
Manuel Azaña reformed the army, demanding an oath of allegiance and offering full pay for retirement, leading to the closure of the Zaragoza Military Academy, disappointing General Franco.
The 1931 Constitution established Spain as a democratic Republic of workers of all kinds, with universal suffrage for men and women, civil marriage, divorce, and equality in education and work. The legislature was the Cortes, the executive was the President, and the judiciary was independent, with the Tribunal of Constitutional Guarantees as the highest legal body. Religious congregations were dissolved, and freedom of conscience and religion were proclaimed. This progressive constitution faced opposition from the Church and the right.
2. The Reformist Biennium
A socialist-republican coalition led by Manuel Azaña governed, implementing liberal religious policies: separation of church and state, secular education, civil marriage, divorce, and dissolution of the Society of Jesus.
The Church opposed these reforms, leading to church burnings and a state of war declaration. The agrarian problem, marked by unequal land distribution and outdated technology, was addressed through land reform, but results were disappointing.
Regions with distinct languages demanded autonomy. Catalonia’s statute was approved, with Francesc Macià as the first president of the Generalitat. The Basque statute faced delays due to religious disagreements but was eventually approved in three provinces.
Azaña’s reforms caused unrest among various groups, including socialists. Leftist organizations like CNT and UGT became more radical, leading to armed confrontations. The government’s handling of peasant riots and its perceived sectarianism led to widespread discontent.
In 1933, the government fell due to political disagreements and the Casas Viejas incident. Alcalá-Zamora dissolved the Parliament and called for new elections.