The Second Spanish Republic: From Monarchy to Republic
1. The Regency of Maria Cristina and the First Carlist War (1833-1843)
1.1. The Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)
During the reign of Maria Cristina, Spain saw the rise of liberal and moderate political parties. The minority parties were led by Maria Cristina and Espartero, while the majority party consisted of the exiled Bourbons and supporters of democracy. During the Queen’s minority, a liberal government was established, leading to a period of transition and reforms. This period aimed to establish a moderate monarchy with a balance between liberalism and absolutism. Reforms included the territorial division into provinces, trade liberalization, freedom of the press, and the establishment of the National Militia. However, this period ultimately ended in failure.
1.2. The Regency of Espartero (1840-1843)
The progressive government of Juan Alvarez Mendizabal, a prominent liberal figure, introduced a constitution similar to that of 1812. This constitution established a system of shared sovereignty between the King and a bicameral parliament consisting of the Senate and Congress. Mendizabal’s reforms included the confiscation of Church property, which was met with resistance. Espartero’s regency saw the imposition of an authoritarian style of government and the reinstatement of Mendizabal’s laws. In terms of trade, Espartero signed a free trade agreement with the United Kingdom.
1.3. The First Carlist War (1833-1840)
The First Carlist War was a conflict between the supporters of Carlos Maria Isidro and those of Isabella II. The Carlists, supported by peasants, clergy, craftsmen, and some nobility, sought to establish Carlos as King. Isabella’s supporters included the bourgeoisie and the army. The war unfolded in three phases:
- Zumalacárregui’s Columns: This initial phase saw the Carlists take the initiative.
- Change in Carlist Strategy: The second phase involved a shift in Carlist strategy towards expeditions.
- Catalonia and Maestrazgo: The final phase saw fighting in Catalonia and Maestrazgo. The war ended with the Convention of Vergara between General Espartero and Maroto.
2. The Second Republic (1931-1939)
2.1. Causes and the Provisional Government
Following the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, King Alfonso XIII attempted to restore the parliamentary system, but the governments of Berenguer and Aznar failed to achieve this. Opposition parties signed the Pact of San Sebastián in August 1930, aiming to establish a republic. The elections of April 12, 1931, resulted in a victory for anti-monarchist parties. Recognizing his lack of popular support, Alfonso XIII left Spain, and the Second Republic was proclaimed on April 14, 1931. A provisional government, headed by Alcalá Zamora, was established, comprising representatives from various political parties. This government set the date for democratic elections on June 28, 1931, to elect members for a Constituent Assembly.
2.2. Initial Challenges
The Republic faced immediate challenges from both its opponents (the Church and monarchist right) and its supporters (Catalan nationalists and working classes).
2.2.1. Catalan Independence
On the same day the Second Republic was proclaimed, Francesc Macià, leader of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, declared an independent Catalan Republic. This act threatened the new government’s stability and risked a military reaction. The conflict was resolved when Macià agreed to dissolve his republic in exchange for the government’s commitment to address Catalan autonomy.
2.2.2. Hostility from the Church
Many Republicans held anti-clerical views due to the Church’s support for the monarchy. Cardinal Segura, the Archbishop of Toledo, attacked the Republic in a pastoral letter. The government demanded his resignation, but he received support from other clergymen.
2.3. The June 1931 Elections and the Constitution
The June 1931 elections were the most democratic in Spain’s history, with all males over 23 eligible to vote. The left-wing parties emerged victorious, with the PSOE and Lerroux’s Radical Party securing significant gains. The Constituent Cortes, tasked with drafting a new constitution, reflected the socialist influence of the time. The constitution defined Spain as a democratic republic, declared citizen rights, established a secular state, and expanded education. The most contentious issues were the role of the Church and regional autonomy. The constitution was finally approved in 1931.