The Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Era

Posted on Oct 22, 2024 in History

The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)

1934: Political Upheaval

In 1934, the dismissal of three CEDA ministers triggered a revolutionary movement supported by the Generalitat, the PCE, and the CNT. A political general strike erupted in major cities, and Lluís Companys declared “the Catalan State within the Spanish Federal Republic.” As a consequence, Companys was imprisoned, and Catalonia’s autonomy was suspended. A significant revolt also took place in Asturias.

Consequences of the Revolution:

  1. The perceived anti-liberal right believed that the labor movement was orchestrating a revolution that Republicans couldn’t control. CEDA argued that the only solution lay with the army, while the Church portrayed the movement as an anti-Catholic insurrection.
  2. Organizations faced severe repression, including imprisonment and exile. Employers exploited the situation, canceling employment contracts and leaving thousands jobless.
  3. Outrage arose among center-left groups. Manuel Azaña formed the leftist Republicans, and Martínez Barrio established the Republican Union. The UGT, PSOE, PCE, and POUM signed the “Popular Front” pact, creating an electoral platform.

1936: The Popular Front Government

In 1936, the Popular Front government came to power, characterized by the following:

  1. Manuel Azaña replaced Niceto Alcalá-Zamora as President.
  2. Restoration of the reform program, particularly agrarian reform.
  3. Socialists didn’t participate in the government due to internal divisions.
  4. The PCE defended the Republic and democracy against fascism.
  5. Military figures like Emilio Mola and Francisco Franco were removed from positions of power, leading to a conspiracy involving military and civilian elements.
  6. Increased terrorism, including attacks by Falangist gunmen and armed militias taking the law into their own hands.

13.2 The Silver Age of Spanish Culture (1898-1936)

The Silver Age spanned from 1898 to 1936.

Causes:

  • Increased freedom of thought
  • Reforms and changes that improved the cultural level
  • Regenerationist legacy
  • Dissemination of reading
  • Construction of cultural buildings (museums, libraries, etc.)
  • Creation of a vast market for newspapers and books
  • Higher literacy rates and improved education
  • Establishment of numerous libraries, book fairs, magazines, and newspapers (e.g., ABC)
  • Madrid’s emergence as a cultural and scientific hub, with academies and universities
  • Emergence of three generations of thinkers and artists (Generation of ’98, Generation of ’14, Generation of ’27)

This period led to a cultural flourishing, known as the Silver Age.

Key Figures and Achievements:

  • Literature: Generation of ’98 and Generation of ’27
  • Architecture: Antoni Gaudí (Park Güell, Sagrada Familia)
  • Painting: Pablo Picasso (Guernica)
  • Music: Enrique Granados, Manuel de Falla
  • Natural Sciences: Santiago Ramón y Cajal
  • Social Sciences: Rafael Altamira
  • Engineering: Inventions like the calculator
  • Philosophy: José Ortega y Gasset

12.3 Economic and Social Evolution in the Early 20th Century

Spain experienced economic growth in the early 20th century due to:

  1. Investment in the peninsula after the loss of American colonies.
  2. World War I, which favored exports and industrialization, although it also caused a mild economic crisis. Social and political elites promoted protectionism and self-sufficiency.

Agriculture:

Despite remaining the most important sector, agriculture declined significantly. The Agrarian Reform Law was enacted in 1932. Transformations included high protectionist tariffs on wheat and cereals (leading to increased acreage and prices), modernization aid from the Ministry of Agriculture, and a water policy focused on dams and irrigation. These measures led to a slight increase in agricultural productivity.

Industry:

Laws protected industries by promoting the purchase of Spanish products. Industrial centers developed in Asturias, Vizcaya, and Catalonia. Industrial diversification increased. Communications, such as the telephone and telegraph, played a crucial role in industrial development. Mining declined, while new energy sources like oil and hydroelectric power emerged.

Trade:

Tariff protectionism favored domestic trade but hindered international trade. The trade balance remained in deficit, with food exports and machinery imports. In banking, the Bank of Spain’s influence declined due to private banks’ growth. The network of savings banks consolidated, and the state treasury addressed part of the deficit through the Villaverde reforms, which included tax reforms.

Society:

Economic changes significantly impacted society. Mortality decreased due to improvements in quality of life, including food, housing, clothing, sanitation, and hygiene. The birth rate increased slightly. Emigration to the Americas and internal migration to coastal areas occurred due to low urbanization. Urban centers were dominated by workers. The service sector expanded, encompassing literacy, schooling, and intellectual development. Feminism gained momentum, along with trade unions like the UGT and CNT, and business associations like the EGF and CPE.

13.1.2 The Radical-CEDA Biennium (1933-1936)

The 1933 elections resulted in a victory for the center-right coalition of CEDA and Lerroux’s Radical Party, ushering in the Radical-CEDA Biennium (1933-1936).

Main Features:

  1. Difficulty forming a stable government, with 10 cabinets in 2 years. Until 1934, the Radicals held a dominant position with CEDA’s support.
  2. The Radicals faced internal divisions and a series of corruption scandals. Eventually, the Cortes was dissolved, and new elections were called.
  3. The government halted or reversed policies from the previous biennium, leading to protests and strikes.
  4. The development of autonomy was stalled.
  5. Limited reforms were attempted, but the parliamentary right prevented these laws and projects from succeeding.