Spanish Constitution of 1931 and Dynastic Reformism
The Spanish Constitution of 1931
The Constitution of 1931 recognized universal suffrage and proclaimed the male and female aconfessionality of the State, respecting all faiths and beliefs. A wide statement of individual rights and freedoms established large private and public liberties. It recognized the right to private property but empowered the government to expropriate goods considered of public utility.
Legislative authority resided in the Cortes, executive power in the Cabinet and the President of the Republic, and the independence of the judiciary was ensured. The state was set up in an integrated manner but accepted the possibility of constructing self-government in some regions.
Once approved, the constitution saw Niceto Alcalá Zamora elected President and Manuel Azaña held the Presidency of the Government, consisting of Republicans, Socialists, and Nationalists.
The Revolt of 1934
In 1934, there was a reworking of the government to pave the way for CEDA ministers. This fact caused the outbreak of uprisings throughout Spain, but they had more echo in Asturias.
In Catalonia, the situation was quite different because the general government was in a coalition with Esquerra, who looked favorably on the counter-reform process initiated by the Lerroux government. The first confrontation occurred when the Cortes overturned the law of cultivation contracts approved by the Parliament of Catalonia, which was not accepted, and this decision led to the adoption of the same law again.
The decisive confrontation took place in October 1934, when President Companys led an insurrection and proclaimed the Catalan State within the Spanish Republic. The rebellion was put down quickly, and in retaliation, the Generalitat was dissolved, the Statute was overturned, and the government was imprisoned.
In Asturias, the revolt took a more social turn. A committee composed of Anarchists, Socialists, and Communists proclaimed a social revolution and took control of the mining areas. The revolt was put down by the army and was followed by harsh repression.
Dynastic Reformism
In 1902, the new King Alfonso XIII came of age, and to inaugurate his reign, he tried to maintain and regenerate the Spanish political life.
Antonio Maura, the Conservative president, carried out some reforms, such as in finances. These projects had little success, as they did not eliminate caciquismo or political and electoral corruption.
Since 1910, the Liberals were led by José Canalejas. He attempted to empower the civil state against the influence of the Catholic Church and to decentralize the state.
His assassination in 1912 caused a period of instability that led to the crisis of 1917.
Tragic Week
In 1909, there was a profound deterioration of political life during the popular uprising in Barcelona known as the Tragic Week, due to opposition to the recruitment of soldiers for the war in Morocco. The uprising was strongly suppressed, and the repression was disproportionate. These facts led to the rejection of public opinion and the resignation of the Prime Minister.