Transformation of Spain: The Second Republic Era
Biennium Reform (1931-1933)
The new Republican-Socialist government launched a leftist biennium to transform Spain into a democratic, modern, and secular country.
Problems of the Republic
- The Military Problem: Manuel Azaña aimed to reduce the number of officers and military spending. A law was enacted to retire nearly half of the officers, placing the army under civilian control.
- The Issue of Religion and Education: The Catholic Church held significant influence over education. The constitution separated church and state, ending state funding for priests and banning religious orders from teaching. Marriage, divorce, and civil burials were introduced, and the Society of Jesus was disbanded. The government promoted secular education and invested in public schools.
- Land Reform: The agrarian problem was addressed through a law that expropriated land from large, uncultivated farms and redistributed it to landless peasants. Socialist Largo Caballero also initiated labor legislation reform.
Opposition to the Reforms
- Right-Wing Forces: The initiation of reforms faced opposition from various groups. An attempted coup in 1932, led by General Sanjurjo, aimed to stop the government. Right-wing forces regrouped, forming the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA), led by Gil Robles. A fascist group, the Spanish Falange (FE), emerged under José Antonio Primo de Rivera. Monarchist Alfonsinos, led by José Calvo Sotelo, and Carlists joined those criticizing the Republic.
- Criticism from Leftist Forces: The slow pace of some reforms led to dissatisfaction and demands for faster change. Uprisings were suppressed by public order forces.
The Conservative Biennium (1934-1936)
Right-Wing Governments
Manuel Azaña resigned, Alcalá Zamora dissolved the courts, and new elections were called. The right-wing won and began dismantling the achievements of the previous biennium. However, problems arose.
The Riots of Asturias and Catalonia
In 1934, serious riots occurred, particularly in Asturias and Catalonia. In Asturias, socialist anarchists and communists took over a mine and resisted the government but were quelled by the army. In Catalonia, the leftist president, Lluís Companys, led a revolt. The Generalitat of Catalonia was disbanded, and nearly all left-wing members were jailed. These problems led to new elections.
The Popular Front (1936)
To counter the right-wing in the elections, a left and center-left electoral front was formed. The CNT recommended the Popular Front, which won, and Manuel Azaña was appointed President of the Republic. Reforms included reinstating the Generalitat of Catalonia. This triggered a climate of confrontation and violence between the left and right. The process of autonomy in the Basque Country and Galicia was restarted. Calvo Sotelo was assassinated in revenge for the death of the socialist Castillo. Conservative forces decided to use arms to stop the Republic’s reforms.