The Second Spanish Republic: Origins, Government, and Constitution
The Second Republic: Causes, Provisional Government, and 1931 Constitution
After the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, Alfonso XIII attempted to restore the old parliamentary system, but this effort failed with the governments of Berenguer and Aznar. Consequently, 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 unpopularity, Alfonso XIII chose to leave Spain, and on April 14, 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed.
Provisional Government
A Provisional Government was formed, headed by Alcalá Zamora (a Republican of the right) and composed of various political representatives. Their first action was to set a date for democratic elections on June 28, 1931, to elect members who would create the Constitution of 1931.
Initial Problems
From its inception, the Republic faced challenges from both its enemies (the Church and monarchist right) and its supporters (Catalan nationalists and working classes).
Catalan Independent Republic
On the same day the Second Republic was proclaimed (April 14), Francesc Macià, leader of the Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, proclaimed the Catalan Republic Independent in Catalonia. This action discredited the new government and risked triggering a military response against separatism. The conflict was resolved when Macià dissolved his republic, based on the new government’s commitment to address the Catalan issue.
Hostility from the Church Hierarchy
Many Republicans held anti-clerical views due to the clergy’s strong support for the monarchy. The first conflict with the Church arose when Cardinal Segura, the Archbishop of Toledo and head of the Spanish Church, issued a pastoral letter on May 1 criticizing the Republic. The government demanded his resignation, but he was supported by other clergymen. Subsequently, the Bishop of Vitoria was asked to leave the country due to his unconditional support for the monarchy.
Anticlerical Vandalism
On May 10, a monarchist group gathered in a Madrid apartment and played the “Marcha Real” (Royal March) loudly. This incident sparked several days of unrest, including assaults on the monarchist newspaper ABC and attacks on convents. While the government was not directly involved, it did little to prevent the violence.
The Elections of June 1931: Triumph of the Left
These elections were the most democratic in Spanish history up to that point. All males over 23 years of age were eligible to vote, resulting in a 70% voter turnout. The left-wing parties won, with the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party) and Lerroux’s Radical Party securing the most seats. The elected Cortes (Parliament) was tasked with drafting the Constitution, while the executive power remained with the Government.
The Republican Constitution of 1931
The composition of the Cortes reflected the progressive and democratic nature of the Constitution. Its main features included:
- Spain was defined as “a democratic republic of workers of all kinds, organized under a system of freedom and justice.”
- A comprehensive declaration of citizens’ rights, exceeding any previous constitution.
- A unitary state structure, but with the possibility of autonomous regions.
- The potential for expropriation and nationalization of private property in the interest of the national economy.
- Significant power vested in the Cortes, a unicameral parliament elected by universal suffrage, including women for the first time.
- The government was accountable to the Parliament, which could withdraw its confidence.
- The State was secular, but religious freedom was recognized. However, the Church was prohibited from engaging in teaching and commercial activities.
- A commitment to extending education to all citizens.
The Constitution clearly reflected socialist influences. The most contentious issues were the role of the Church and the establishment of autonomous regions, but the Constitution was ultimately approved in 1931.