The Second Spanish Republic: Reforms, Challenges, and Conflicts (1931-1936)
The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)
1. Proclamation and Initial Reforms
The municipal elections of April 12, 1931, marked a turning point in Spanish politics. The monarchists suffered a significant defeat, while Republicans gained considerable ground. Following these results, King Alfonso XIII suspended the monarchy and went into exile. In Madrid, the Republican Revolutionary Committee seized control and proclaimed the Second Republic.
An interim government was formed, comprising diverse political factions: liberal Republicans, left-wing Republicans like Manuel Azaña, Radical Republicans like Alejandro Lerroux, socialists like Largo Caballero, Catalan and Galician nationalists, and other republican sectors. Notably absent were right-wing monarchists, Basque nationalists, and radical unionists (communists and anarchists).
Following the Pact of San Sebastian, the interim government called for elections and initiated a series of reforms. Ministerial decrees launched an agrarian reform project, reformed the army, and began negotiations with Catalan and Basque communities regarding autonomy. The nascent Republic faced challenges including social conflicts, employer hostility, and opposition from the Catholic Church. Resurging anticlericalism led to attacks on religious buildings.
The June 28 elections resulted in a Republican-Socialist coalition majority, significantly altering the political landscape. Political parties demonstrated a strong ability to mobilize supporters. The Cortes (parliament) appointed a constitutional commission.
2. The Constitution of 1931
The 1931 Constitution, with its progressive and democratic character, established:
- An”integra” state with provisions for regional autonomy.
- Legislative power residing in a unicameral Cortes.
- Executive power vested in the Council of Ministers and the President.
- An independent judiciary.
- The right to property expropriation for social utility.
- A Bill of Rights and Freedoms addressing economic and social issues, including suffrage for citizens 23 years and older (including women for the first time), separation of church and state, civil marriage and divorce, equality for all citizens, and the right to education and work.
Despite overwhelming approval of the Constitution, deep divisions persisted between the left and right. Manuel Azaña replaced Alcalá Zamora as President.
3. Economic Challenges
3.1 The Great Depression
The regime change coincided with the global economic depression triggered by the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Spain’s already weak economy suffered severely, particularly in the agricultural and mineral sectors. Exports declined after 1933, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions. The limited impact of international trade was partly due to pre-existing protectionist tariffs.
3.2 Internal Factors
Economic difficulties stemmed primarily from internal factors: agricultural unemployment, unequal land distribution, undercapitalization in industry and agriculture, and weak business confidence in the new regime. Increased wages and reduced working hours further discouraged private investment.
Severe social unrest erupted in Andalusia, Extremadura, and New Castile, peaking after 1933. Largo Caballero’s socialist faction contributed to the decline in business confidence.
3.3 Economic Stages
The Republic’s economic trajectory can be divided into three stages:
- April 1931-November 1933: Sharp decline in confidence and economic activity.
- Early 1934-February 1936: Moderate recovery despite the October 1934 Revolution.
- February 1936-July 1936: Economic downturn preceding the coup.
Government attempts to balance budgets through spending cuts negatively impacted investment. Wage increases, coupled with reduced working days, further eroded business confidence, although they did boost consumption and benefit some industries.
4. Key Reforms and Social Impact
4.1 Military Reform
The Republican government, led by Azaña, sought to transform the army. The reform aimed to professionalize the military, end its special privileges, and curb its political intervention. The Law of Retirement of Officers required allegiance to the Republic, abolished traditional ranks, and reduced the number of units and officers. However, budget cuts hindered modernization efforts.
4.2 Religious Reform
The Republic aimed to secularize society, separating church and state. Freedom of worship was granted, divorce and civil marriage were legalized, and cemeteries were secularized. The Jesuit order was dissolved, and its properties nationalized. The Congregations Act limited property ownership by religious orders. These reforms generated significant opposition from the Church hierarchy.
4.3 Agrarian Reform
Addressing the plight of landless peasants and tenant farmers was a central goal. The Agrarian Reform Law aimed to expropriate large estates and redistribute land. However, implementation was slow and faced resistance from landowners, resulting in limited success and increased social tension.
4.4 Autonomy Statutes
Catalonia proclaimed the Catalan Republic on April 14, 1931, and established an autonomous government (Generalitat). The Statute of Núria, approved by referendum, granted Catalonia autonomy. Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya won the first Catalan parliamentary elections, and Francesc Macià became President of the Generalitat.
The Basque Country drafted the Statute of Estella, but its approval was delayed. In October 1936, amidst the Civil War, a new statute reflecting a consensus among nationalists, republicans, and socialists was adopted. José Antonio Aguirre, leader of the PNV, became the first Lehendakari (President).
Galicia’s nationalist movement was less pronounced, and its autonomy process was slower. A draft statute was proposed in June 1936 but was never approved due to the outbreak of the Civil War.
4.5 Labor and Education Reforms
Largo Caballero spearheaded reforms improving working conditions, including the Employment Contracts Act, the Mixed Jury system, a 40-hour workweek, and wage increases. Social insurance programs were also expanded.
Educational reform focused on providing secular, free, and compulsory education. 10,000 new schools were created, primarily at the primary level, challenging the dominance of religious education.
5. Growing Political Polarization
These reforms polarized Spanish society. Monarchists adopted increasingly anti-democratic stances. New right-wing organizations emerged, including CEDA (led by José María Gil-Robles), Renovación Española (led by José Calvo Sotelo), and Falange Española (led by José Antonio Primo de Rivera). These groups would play a crucial role in the events leading up to the Spanish Civil War.