The Second Spanish Republic: Constitution, Reforms, and Political Instability
The Second Spanish Republic
The Constitution of 1931 and the Reformist Biennium
The new republican regime was greeted with hope and enthusiasm. The Republic was proclaimed, and a provisional government, chaired by Niceto Alcalá Zamora, was formed. Cacique networks were dismantled, and the old parties disappeared.
Political Forces
a) Fascist Groups:
- JONS: Founded on the model of Italian Fascism.
- Spanish Falange: Created by Primo de Rivera, this right-wing party had little support among the working classes. It later merged with JONS.
b) Right-Wing Forces:
- Carlists: Traditionalists loyal to the monarchy who rejected religious freedom and the Republic.
- Renovación Española: More right-wing monarchists and traditionalists.
- CEDA: Led by Gil Robles, this Catholic, anti-Marxist party became a powerful force, advocating for Spanish unity.
c) Political Center:
- Partido Radical Republicano: Led by Lerroux, this party defended order, feared the workers’ movement, and opposed radical reforms.
d) Left-Wing:
- Partido Radical Socialista: Directed by Marcelino Domingo.
- Acción Republicana: A progressive reformist party led by Manuel Azaña. It aimed to modernize Spain and consolidate democratic institutions. It later merged with the Radical Socialist Party.
e) Proletarian Groups:
- PSOE: The most powerful political force during the Second Republic. UGT (trade union) also grew in influence.
- PCE: A pro-Soviet communist group initially hostile to the Azaña government.
- Anarchists: Rejected parliamentary democracy.
f) Regionalist Parties:
- Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya: A leftist and nationalist party in Catalonia. Following the Statute of Autonomy, Francesc Macià became President of the Generalitat, followed by Lluís Companys.
- Lliga Catalana: Eventually joined the Front Català d’Ordre along with CEDA.
- PNV: Proclaimed the need to establish a Basque Country (Euzkadi). José Antonio Aguirre became the first Lehendakari.
- Partido Galeguista: An autonomist left-wing group led by Alfonso Castelao.
The Constitution of 1931
Parliamentary elections were held with universal male suffrage. Clara Campoamor and Victoria Kent became the first women elected as MPs in Spain’s history. A committee drafted a new constitution, which included:
- Recognition of women’s voting rights.
- Removal of subsidies to the Catholic Church.
- Recognition of divorce and prohibition of religious orders running schools.
- Recognition of citizens’ rights.
- Limitation of private property rights in the general interest.
- Reorganization of state powers.
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
The provisional government, led by Azaña, initiated social and labor reforms, including measures to protect peasants. This led to increased tensions between landowners and landless peasants, with rent refusals and land occupations.
Military Reform:
- Aimed to establish civilian control over the army and prevent military intervention.
- Sought to modernize and improve the army’s efficiency.
- Azaña repealed the Law of Jurisdictions.
Educational Reform:
- Increased funding for education, school construction, and teacher recruitment.
- Promoted co-education and the development of secondary education.
Agrarian Reform:
- Addressed the issue of land ownership.
- Aimed to distribute land to farmers and increase agricultural production.
- The Agrarian Reform Law created tensions with landowners.
Religious Reform:
- Separation of church and state.
Autonomic Reform:
- The Statute of Autonomy for Catalonia was passed, thanks to Azaña’s efforts to overcome resistance within the Republican camp.
The CNT (anarchosyndicalists) launched an offensive, including a general strike. A right-wing military coup, led by General Sanjurjo, attempted to halt reforms and prevent the Catalan Statute, but it failed.
The Radical-Cedista Biennium (1933-1935) and the Popular Front
The relationship between socialists and left-wing republicans deteriorated. The PSOE faced internal pressure for more radical action. Azaña resigned, leading to early elections. The CEDA, led by Gil Robles, won, forming a coalition with Lerroux’s Radicals. This government aimed to dismantle the previous reforms.
Key Decisions:
- Amnesty for participants in the 1932 coup attempt.
- Counter-agrarian reform.
- Economic grants to the rural clergy.
- Slowdown of public school construction.
- Appointment of anti-leftist generals to key positions in the army.
These measures exacerbated social conflicts. Rural strikes and confrontations between right-wing parties and trade unions increased. The government’s challenge to the Catalan Statute worsened the situation. Azaña regained popularity. The Socialists, Communists, and Anarchists formed the Popular Front to overthrow the government. Largo Caballero gained influence within the PSOE.
The Popular Front’s electoral victory was seen by some as a triumph of the right and the end of democracy. This, along with social unrest, led to an uprising, starting with a general strike. In Catalonia, left-wing nationalists joined the movement and Companys proclaimed an independent Catalan state. The army regained control, and the Catalan Statute was suspended. In Asturias, workers and miners launched a revolt, which was brutally suppressed by Franco’s forces.
Following the October Revolution, socialist leaders were imprisoned. Corruption scandals within Lerroux’s party broke the coalition with CEDA. Left-wing Republicans and labor forces formed the Popular Front for the 1936 elections. Prieto and Azaña favored an alliance with the Socialists, while Caballero insisted on including other labor forces. The Popular Front narrowly won the election. After the victory, Franco and Gil Robles attempted to prevent the Popular Front from taking power, but failed. Azaña became head of government.
The new government restored the Catalan Statute and released political prisoners. It accelerated the Agrarian Reform Law and legalized the Falange, arresting its leaders. Azaña removed anti-Republican army commanders, including Franco, Goded, and Mola. He became President of the Republic, replacing Alcalá Zamora.
Social and political tensions escalated. Right-wing leaders radicalized their positions. The government faced increasing problems and lacked support. Land invasions, clashes between landowners and workers, and strikes intensified. Church buildings were attacked. Violence by extremist groups from both sides increased. The threat of a new revolution or a military coup loomed. Anti-Republican military commanders plotted to overthrow the Republic. The military uprising launched in July 1936 marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.