Understanding the Second Spanish Republic: People and Policies
Key Figures and Events of the Second Spanish Republic
Largo Caballero was a trade unionist and political leader in Spanish history, belonging to the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and the General Workers’ Union. During the Second Spanish Republic, he served as Minister of Labor (1931-1933) and Prime Minister (1936-1937).
López Ochoa, having met Primo de Rivera in Africa, was appointed civil and military governor of Catalonia during the establishment of the dictatorship. However, his tenure was short-lived. By 1924, his conflicts with the dictator led him to embrace republicanism, resulting in his dismissal. López Ochoa went into exile in France, where he joined the Masons. Later, during the Republic, he briefly served as captain general of Catalonia. He embodied the general orders of the Republic, particularly under the head of government, Alejandro Lerroux, and the Minister of War.
Land Reform Act of 1932
The Land Reform Act, promulgated on September 9, 1932, was the most significant project undertaken by the government of the Second Republic. While not a complete failure, it proved frustrating for farmers due to delays in its implementation, the slow pace of the Agrarian Reform Institute in developing an inventory of expropriated land, and a lack of funds for compensating landowners. Its application was abolished by the Law of Agrarian Counter-Reform during the CEDA’s two-year period in power, a few months after its adoption, and completely reversed in the zone controlled by the rebels during the Spanish Civil War and in Spain after Franco’s victory. It was one of the first steps taken by Francisco Franco.
La Pasionaria
La Pasionaria distinguished herself as a political leader during the Second Republic and the Spanish Civil War. A historic figure in the Communist Party of Spain, she combined political struggle with advocating for women’s rights, arguing that women should be free to choose their own destiny.
Law Velay
The Law Velay, enacted by a minister who defended only the interests of landowners, organized a counter-agrarian reform. It required substantial compensation for owners and undermined the effectiveness of the IRA by allocating only 50,000,000 annually, a decision criticized by José Antonio.
Foreign Support
Among the supporters of the Nationalists, France sent between 5,000 and 16,000 men, primarily from the Legion. Their assistance was crucial, as it enabled the crossing of the Straits.
Nationalist Ireland and Portugal also provided support, with Portugal sending small contingents known as the “Viriato Legion.” Portugal’s assistance was key to maintaining communication for Franco’s forces before the occupation of Extremadura.
Law of Political Responsibility
The Law of Political Responsibility, passed in 1939 by Franco’s government, initiated a harsh political repression against Republicans. By 1945, approximately 100,000 political prisoners were sentenced to hard labor.
Martínez Barrio
Martínez Barrio (1833-1962) was a Spanish politician who served as President of the Parliament, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Second Spanish Republic. The Radical government was weak and split into two factions: the Lerroux faction and the Martínez Barrio faction, which was more left-leaning. Using its parliamentary majority, the government imposed the entry of three ministers, prompting the departure of Martínez Barrio’s radical coalition.
Moscardó and the Siege of the Alcázar
During the Battle of Madrid, Franco’s army advanced along the Tagus River towards Madrid. However, Franco made a strategic error, likely motivated by propaganda, when he ordered Varela to relieve the Alcázar of Toledo, which was defended by Colonel Moscardó.
Republican Militias
The initial Republican Army was based on militias, a people in arms without effective controls, which proved inefficient. Eventually, the Popular Army mixed brigades were created, although anarchists did not participate.