The Spanish Second Republic: Political Instability and Reform
B) The Reformist Biennium (Left-Wing Government)
The Republic’s initial period saw the formation of a left-wing government led by Manuel Azaña. Key reforms included:
- Catalonian Autonomy: Catalonia was granted autonomy in 1932, with Francesc Macià elected president of the Generalitat.
- Military Reform: Azaña aimed to democratize and professionalize the army, reducing officer numbers and requiring allegiance to the Republic. This offended some, including Francisco Franco.
- Religious Reform: The government sought to curb the Church’s power.
- Land Reform: The Agrarian Reform Law enabled expropriation of land (with compensation) for redistribution to peasants, managed by the IRA and Provincial Boards.
- Educational Reform: Public, compulsory, and free secular education was promoted, with new schools, improved teacher status, and “educational missions” in rural areas.
- Social Reforms: Labor laws were advanced under Largo Caballero, including the 40-hour work week, increased wages, and mixed juries to address labor disputes.
However, these reforms created powerful enemies (monarchists, Carlists, military, Church, landowners) and fueled civil unrest, strengthening right-wing parties like the CEDA (led by José María Gil Robles) and the Falange (founded by José Antonio Primo de Rivera). Azaña resigned, leading to new elections in 1933.
C) The Conservative Biennium (Right-Wing Government)
The 1933 elections saw a right-wing victory, with the CEDA gaining prominence. A conservative coalition government led by Lerroux slowed the previous reforms. This led to several problems:
- Left-wing parties and unions felt betrayed.
- The Falange grew in popularity.
- The CEDA’s influence increased.
- The 1934 Crisis: Lerroux’s inclusion of CEDA ministers sparked protests, notably in Asturias (a violent miners’ revolt) and Catalonia (declaration of a Catalan Republic).
The 1934 crisis filled prisons with political prisoners, weakened the center-left, and increased right-wing influence. Corruption scandals forced Lerroux’s resignation. Alcalá Zamora appointed Portela Valladares, but lacking support, new elections were called in 1936.
D) The Popular Front and the Path to Civil War
The leftist Popular Front won the 1936 elections, forming a government led by Manuel Azaña with Casares Quiroga as head of government. Key measures included releasing political prisoners and resuming prior reforms, including acknowledging the Catalan Statute.
However, social and political unrest continued. Right-wing politician José Calvo Sotelo’s criticism of the government and subsequent assassination precipitated a military coup led by officers in Morocco, marking the beginning of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).