Spanish Republic Proclamation and Constitution of 1931
Proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic, 1931
The results of the elections on April 12th caused a commotion. In rural areas still controlled by Republican chiefs, the elections had no application. However, participation in the cities was high, and the Republicans obtained an overwhelming majority vote. On the 13th, the streets were filled with demonstrations, and on the morning of the 14th, the Republic was proclaimed in several cities. Lluis Companys established the Republic in Barcelona. Republican committee members came to the Puerta del Sol, where they took possession of the government and proclaimed the Republic amid popular enthusiasm. That evening, Alfonso XIII left the country.
Provisional Government
The men who formed this government represented the progressive forces of the country: liberal Republicans from the left and right, regionalist parties, and the PSOE. Most were middle-class individuals aware of the need to modernize the country. Despite the heterogeneity of their ideas and approaches, all acted with considerable coordination. Their idea was to establish the Republic and hand over power to the Constituent Cortes. But the Republic was faced from the beginning with a series of pressing problems. Meanwhile, Minister Largo Caballero took the first steps toward reform. Peasants’ wages were raised, and labor reform was initiated, establishing the eight-hour workday. Manuel Azaña started military reform, requiring an oath of allegiance to the Republic and proposing voluntary retirement for those who refused. The government promoted educational legislation and founded the Pedagogical Missions Trust. The Catalan autonomy statute was also launched, a project promoted by Francesc Macià.
Conflict and Elections for the Cortes
The social environment had acquired a worrying tension. Anarchists and socialists were divided between those who wanted to allow the government time and those who were demanding radical changes. The CNT began a strike at the telephone company, which posed a challenge for the government. But the most serious conflict involved the Church and the new regime. For the elections, the National Action Party was founded, whose motto was “Religion, Family, Work, Order, and Ownership.” The situation resulted in the burning of convents. Despite the conflicts, the elections for the Cortes were held in June, and the Republic prevailed.
The Constitution of 1931
Approved on December 9th, the Constitution consisted of 125 articles. It established popular sovereignty, defining the new state as a democratic republic of workers of all kinds. It developed an extensive bill of rights and freedoms. It emphasized universal suffrage for adults over 23 and, for the first time, included women. Civil marriage and divorce were established, as were equality between legitimate and illegitimate children and the right to education.
- Legislative power was vested in the Cortes, which were unicameral.
- The executive branch corresponded to the President of the Republic, elected every six years by the members of the Cortes. The President appointed the Prime Minister.
- The judiciary was headed by a Constitutional Court.
The Constitution also allowed for the establishment of statutes of autonomy. Regarding religious matters, it intended to expel the Jesuits, abolished the budget for worship and clergy, and banned religious congregations.
In short, it was a fully progressive constitution.