The Second Spanish Republic’s Reformist Biennium: A Deep Dive
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
The new Republican government undertook a series of reforms over two years, aiming to democratize, secularize, and decentralize Spain. These reforms sought to address long-standing issues and modernize the country’s economy and society.
Military Reform
Manuel Azaña led the effort to modernize the army, which was considered technically backward and overstaffed. The government passed a law allowing for the retirement of nearly half of the officers. The army was also subjected to civilian authority, the number of general captaincies was reduced, the military academy in Zaragoza was disbanded, and commanders deemed contrary to the Republic were replaced.
Religious and Educational Reforms
The government also aimed to reduce the influence of the Catholic Church, particularly in education. The new constitution separated church and state, abolishing the budget for worship and clergy, banning religious orders from teaching, and dissolving the Jesuit order. Civil marriage and burials were introduced, and a divorce law was drafted. The state assumed responsibility for public education, investing heavily in school buildings and increasing the number of teachers.
Territorial Reform
The constitution paved the way for decentralization, allowing for the creation of autonomous regions. Catalonia established a provisional government and its statute of autonomy was approved in 1932. The Basque region began drafting its statute, which was approved in 1936. The process in Galicia was halted by the onset of the civil war.
Land Reform
The Republic addressed the issue of latifundismo. In regions like Andalusia and Extremadura, many landless laborers lived in poverty while land was concentrated in the hands of a few owners. A 1932 law expropriated large, uncultivated farms, distributing them to landless laborers through the Agrarian Reform Institute. The institute was responsible for compensating owners and facilitating the settlement of rural families.
Opposition to Reform
From Conservatism
Republican reforms faced opposition from large landowners, the Catholic Church, parts of the army, and the upper and middle classes. These groups felt threatened by the reforms. A coup led by General Sanjurjo in 1932 was unsuccessful. Right-wing forces regrouped in the CEDA, led by José María Gil Robles. The fascist Falange, led by José Antonio Primo de Rivera, also emerged, along with Carlist monarchists.
From the Workers
The slow pace of some reforms, especially land reform, increased tensions among some laborers and workers who wanted faster changes. The UGT became more radical, and some anarchist groups, particularly those linked to the FAI, advocated for armed insurrection. Several uprisings were staged and repressed by public order forces.