Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms and Conflicts (1931-1936)
Second Republic (April 14, 1931 – July 18, 1936)
On January 28, 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned. General Berenguer was appointed Chairman of the Council of Ministers. His government, known as the “soft dictatorship,” failed to resolve Spain’s issues. After the failure of planned elections, Admiral Aznar formed a government of concentration.
Provisional Government (April 1931)
A provisional government was formed on April 14, 1931, with Alcalá Zamora as president. It aimed to convene constituent elections and draft a new constitution. Immediate reforms were implemented in education, labor (8-hour workday), and the military (“Azaña Law”). The Spanish Church initially adopted a cautious stance but later opposed the Republic.
Elections were held on June 28, 1931, with broad male participation. The PSOE won 117 seats, the Radical Party 93, the Radical Socialist Party 59, and Republican Action 27. Manuel Azaña became Prime Minister.
Left-Wing Republic: Socialist-Republican Biennium (1931-1933)
Azaña’s government focused on reforms, including:
- Agrarian reform: Aimed to redistribute land and end large estates.
- Divorce law and civil marriage
- Autonomy statute for Catalonia
- Religious Congregations Act
- Public Order Act
Azaña proclaimed the Defense Law of the Republic. General Sanjurjo’s coup attempt in August 1932 failed. Peasant uprisings occurred, notably in Casas Viejas (Cadiz) in January 1933, where security forces killed several anarchists.
Right-Wing Republic: The “Two Black Years” (1934-1936)
The right won the 1934 elections due to high abstention in left-dominated regions and the inclusion of female votes. The right secured 204 seats, the center-left 168, and others 94. This period was marked by government instability and social unrest.
Lerroux’s government, supported by the CEDA, repealed the agrarian reform law of 1932. A general strike in June 1934, led by socialists, was suppressed violently.
Alejandro Lerroux’s Government Order
The CEDA gained strength, implementing counter-measures in agriculture and curbing regional nationalisms. A scandal forced Lerroux to resign. Portela Valladares was appointed provisional president and called for elections.
Triumph of the Popular Front
The Popular Front (left) won the February 1936 elections against the National Bloc (right). Azaña was named president. Spain experienced escalating disorders from February to July 1936. Generals Mola and Franco planned a revolt, leading to the Spanish Civil War and Franco’s dictatorship.