The Second Spanish Republic: From Reform to Revolution
Stages of the Second Spanish Republic
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
The Provisional Government (April 14 – June 28, 1931)
Following the proclamation of the Republic, a provisional government led by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora was formed. This period saw significant social unrest, including the burning of convents in Madrid on May 11 and 12. The government focused on four key areas:
- Labor Reform: An 8-hour workday was established, and priority was given to agricultural workers. Landowners were obligated to cultivate their land or face the possibility of it being worked by others.
- Education Reform: The government decreed the creation of 6,750 schools and 7,000 teaching positions, increased teacher salaries, and established a network of libraries.
- Military Reform: Generals, officers, and officials were offered the opportunity to retire with full salary. This led to the retirement of a significant portion of the military leadership who were identified with the monarchy. Manuel Azaña, Minister of War, closed the Zaragoza Military Academy, which was a stronghold of conservative military figures like Francisco Franco. Azaña also created the Assault Guard, a modern and Republican-loyal police force.
- Church-State Relations: The government sought to reduce the influence of the Catholic Church, which was seen as a pillar of the old regime. This led to tensions, particularly following the pastoral letter of Cardinal Segura (Bishop of Toledo) praising the monarchy. The burning of convents further strained relations between the Republic and the Catholic population.
The Republican Constitution (1931)
Elections for the Constituent Cortes were held on June 28, 1931, resulting in a victory for a coalition of Republican and Socialist parties. The new constitution, approved on December 9, 1931, established a secular state with individual rights, regional autonomy, universal suffrage, and provisions for the confiscation of property for public use. It also reflected a strong anti-clerical stance, including the prohibition of teaching by religious orders and the dissolution of the Society of Jesus.
The Republican Government (1931-1933)
Alcalá-Zamora was elected President of the Republic, and Azaña was tasked with forming a government. The government continued the reforms initiated by the provisional government, focusing on agrarian reform, military reform, and the granting of autonomy to Catalonia.
Key Reforms:
- Separation of Church and State: The government dissolved the Society of Jesus, confiscated Church property, established civil marriage and divorce, and secularized cemeteries. The Law of Congregations (1933) prohibited the Church and religious orders from engaging in teaching and commercial activities.
- Military Modernization: Azaña’s military reforms aimed to reduce the size of the army, modernize its equipment, and ensure its loyalty to the Republic. He also sought to reduce the influence of the military in politics.
- Agrarian Reform: The Agrarian Reform Law of 1932 aimed to redistribute land to peasants. However, the implementation of the reform was slow and faced resistance from landowners. The reform’s failure led to unrest in the countryside, particularly in Andalusia.
- Regional Autonomy: The Constitution recognized the right of regions to autonomy. Catalonia was granted a Statute of Autonomy in 1932, followed by the Basque Country in 1936 and Galicia during the Civil War.
Catalan Autonomy:
Francesc Macià, leader of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), proclaimed the Catalan Republic in April 1931. This led to negotiations with the central government, resulting in the Statute of Autonomy of 1932. The Statute established Catalonia as an autonomous region within Spain with its own parliament and government (the Generalitat). Macià was elected President of the Generalitat in 1932. Following his death in 1933, Lluís Companys became President.
The Right-Wing Biennium (1933-1935)
The Republican-Socialist coalition collapsed in 1933, leading to new elections in November. The right-wing parties, including the Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups (CEDA) led by José María Gil-Robles, gained power. This period saw a reversal of many of the reforms implemented during the previous biennium.
The Revolution of October 1934:
The entry of CEDA ministers into the government in October 1934 triggered a general strike and armed insurrection, particularly in Asturias. The Asturian miners took control of the region for two weeks before being brutally suppressed by the army. The uprising failed, and its leaders were arrested or exiled. The events of October 1934 highlighted the deep divisions within Spanish society and served as a prelude to the Civil War.
Events in Catalonia:
In Catalonia, President Companys proclaimed the Catalan State within a Federal Spanish Republic in response to the entry of CEDA ministers into the government. The proclamation was short-lived, and Companys was arrested. The Catalan Statute of Autonomy was suspended, and the Generalitat was dissolved.
The Popular Front (February – July 1936)
The Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties including Republicans, Socialists, Communists, and Catalan and Basque nationalists, won the elections of February 1936. The Popular Front government restored the Catalan Statute of Autonomy and aimed to continue the reforms initiated during the first biennium. However, the Popular Front’s victory further polarized Spanish society and increased tensions between the left and the right.
Preparation for the Military Uprising:
Following the Popular Front’s victory, right-wing military officers began plotting a coup against the Republic. The military uprising, which began in July 1936, marked the start of the Spanish Civil War.
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