The Second Spanish Republic: A Tumultuous Period in Spanish History
The Problem of Morocco
In July 1921, amidst a campaign to extend Spanish control around Melilla, the Spanish Rif attacked. The unpopularity of the conflict and the army’s defeat led to media blame on the government and the army. A report by General Picasso caused great debates and was opposed by the army. Republicans demanded drastic measures aimed at the army and the king. Morocco became a political issue, and before the report reached the courts, Primo de Rivera staged a coup.
Primo de Rivera
On September 13th, General Primo de Rivera launched a coup, declaring a state of war. This act was against constitutional legality and required a change to military hands, leading to a military dictatorship for seven years. The coup was justified by the argument that the constitutional system was blocked and discredited. Primo de Rivera’s speech had regenerationist and moralistic intentions, denying any intention to rid the country of patronage and political banditry.
The Reorganization of the State
Military Directory:
Suspension of the constitution, dissolution of the legislative camera, cessation of civilian authorities, a ban on political and union activities, militarization of social order, and repression of radical labor. Regional and municipal councils were dissolved and replaced. Rivera addressed the Moroccan problem by allying with France in 1927, leading to the complete occupation of the protectorate by Spanish troops.
1925-1930 Civil Directory:
Creation of a national consultative assembly with authoritarian and corporate characteristics, leaving aside universal suffrage.
Second Republic
The Second Republic
On April 12, 1931, Republicans won the elections. Alfonso XIII left Spain, and the Republic was proclaimed on April 14th. It was received with enthusiasm, promising democracy, modernization, and reform.
Provisional Government:
Elections were cut short, and reforms were implemented through ministerial decrees. Military reform and agrarian reform were proposed, and negotiations with Catalan and Basque regions for autonomy began. Social unrest (strikes) arose, along with opposition from the Catholic Church and discomfort from businessmen and landowners.
Constitution of 1931
A Republican-Socialist coalition formed a new parliament. The Constitution of 1931 established a comprehensive state. Legislative power resided in the courts, and executive power in the Council of Ministers and the President. Rights and freedoms were expanded, including voting rights for women. Discrepancies arose between the right and left regarding religious themes and autonomy.
Reform 1931-1933
Army Reform:
Azaña aimed to reform the army, reducing its size and ending its top-heavy structure. The Law of Retirement of Officers required active military personnel to pledge allegiance to the regime. Traditional ranks were abolished, and the number of units and officers was reduced.
Religious Question:
Secularization of the church and social life was implemented, including the separation of church and state, suppression of religious orders, and elimination of the religious budget. Divorce and civil marriage were allowed, and cemeteries were secularized.
Agrarian Reform:
Large landholdings were expropriated and distributed. Reforms protected farmers and tenants, fixing workdays and minimum wages.
Autonomy:
Catalonia gained autonomy with a regional government (Generalitat) and a statute. The Basque Country’s draft statute faced opposition and was delayed.
Social and Educational Reform:
Working conditions were improved with the Act of Labor Contracts, mixed juries, a 40-hour work week, wage increases, and the strengthening of social insurance and unions. Secular and liberal education was promoted.
Conservative Biennium 1933-1936
Cessation of Reforms:
The agrarian reform was halted, land was returned to landowners, and the endowment budget for worship and clergy was restored.
Revolution of October 1934:
General strikes in major cities defended republican democracy and social reformism. A state of war was declared.
Crisis of the Second Biennium:
Sentences were applied, and the Statute of Catalonia’s autonomy was suspended. The political climate changed, leading to new elections.
Elections in February 1936:
The left united under the Popular Front (PCE, PSOE, IR coalition), while the right formed the National Bloc and CEDA.
Popular Front Victory
The Popular Front:
Azaña became president, facing opposition from the right-wing parties and the military. The reform process was resumed, leading to a negative reaction from conservative sectors and a climate of civil strife.
Preparation of the Coup d’état:
A state of war was declared, and a plan for a simultaneous military uprising in garrisons was organized. Right-wing political forces supported the movement, aiming for a military dictatorship. The assassination of Calvo Sotelo triggered the uprising in Morocco, which spread throughout the Peninsula, leading to the Spanish Civil War.