Spain’s Second Republic: Reforms, Challenges, and Downfall (1931-1936)

Posted on Jan 20, 2025 in History

The Advent of the Second Republic

When Alfonso XIII went into exile, the Spanish people welcomed the Second Republic with open arms. A provisional government, formed by the former revolutionary committee, was chaired by Alcalá Zamora and included a coalition of Socialists, Radicals, Republicans, and Nationalists. This marked a shift in power from the aristocracy and gentry to the people, including the proletariat and middle bourgeoisie. The provisional government called for elections, which exposed Alcalá Zamora’s failure to organize a Republican right-wing. Subsequently, a constitutional court was established, leading to the creation of the Constitution of 1931.

The Constitution of 1931

The Constitution of 1931 was characterized by:

  • A socializing character.
  • The proclamation of a secular state.
  • A reorganization of powers.
  • Recognition of women’s suffrage.
  • Limitations on the right to private property.
  • New statutes of autonomy.
  • The possibility of civil marriage and divorce.
  • A ban on teaching by religious orders.
  • The expulsion of the Jesuits.

Reforms of the Republic

The Republic initiated several reforms aimed at modernizing Spain:

  • Agrarian Reform: This involved the expropriation of large, mismanaged estates. However, it was not fully implemented due to a lack of government funds.
  • Social Reform: Mixed juries were established, and municipal law was introduced.
  • Education Reform: Public education was strengthened by creating new schools and colleges, improving teacher training and salaries, and extending education to rural areas.
  • Addressing Nationalism: Statutes of autonomy were created to address regional nationalism, except in the Basque Country due to its conservative and Catholic stance.
  • Military Reform: The number of military personnel was reduced, civilian controls were placed over the military, and military training was reformed.

Major Challenges Faced by the Second Republic

Impact of the 1929 Stock Market Crash

The devastating stock market crash in the United States had significant repercussions in Spain. It led to:

  • Increased population due to migration.
  • A rise in unemployment.
  • Economic difficulties.

The Two Bienniums of the Republic

The Republic can be divided into two distinct periods:

Progressive Biennium (1931-1933)

During this period, Alcalá Zamora served as Chief of State, and Manuel Azaña as head of government. The progressive Republic faced several major challenges:

  • Strained relations between the Church and State.
  • Social unrest due to increased unemployment.
  • The Casas Viejas incident, involving brutal retaliation against a group of day laborers who attacked the Civil Guard barracks.
  • Discontent on the right and the alliance of right-wing parties in the CEDA.

Conservative Biennium (1933-1936)

This period was marked by the rule of the radical right, which won the 1933 elections. Catholics, through the CEDA, opposed the Republic. The alliance between Lerroux (Radical) and Gil-Robles (right-wing) was met with opposition from the left, culminating in an uprising in October 1934. This uprising became the Republic’s most significant problem. The consequences of the revolt included:

  • Increased political polarization.
  • Suspension of agrarian reform.
  • The rise of fascism and the totalitarian right, led by José Calvo Sotelo.
  • The fracturing of the Radical party.

These events led to the formation of a new government under Manuel Portela Valladares, who called for new elections in 1936.

The 1936 Elections and the Path to Civil War

The Popular Front (left) won the 1936 elections, and Azaña became President. Tensions arose between the radical ideas of Largo Caballero and the more moderate Azaña. The spring of 1936, known as the “Tragic Spring,” was marked by clashes between leftists and Falangists. Alcalá Zamora was replaced as Head of State by Azaña, who limited his powers to prevent right-wing conspiracies. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo on July 13, 1936, served as a pretext for a military uprising, ultimately leading to the Spanish Civil War.