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The 2nd Republic of Spain: A Historical Overview

Introduction to the 2nd Republic

• The 2nd Republic is a highly controversial period in Spanish history, marked by political manipulation and debate.

• Its origins trace back to January 1930, prior to its official proclamation.

Transition from Dictatorship

• In January 1930, dictator Miguel Primo de Rivera resigns due to loss of support and health issues.

• This resignation leads to a transitional phase known as the "Dictablanda," under General Berenguer's command, which aimed for a middle ground between dictatorship and constitutional restoration.

Municipal Elections of 1931

• On February 13, 1931, Admiral Aznar is appointed President and calls for municipal elections on April 12. Military influence remains strong in politics.

• The elections serve as a reflection of public sentiment; conservative sectors support the monarchy while progressive factions push for the Republic. Irregularities mar rural voting processes.

Results and Proclamation of the Republic

• Urban areas show clear support for the Republic with victories in most provincial capitals; however, monarchists perform better in rural regions.

• Following rumors about King Alfonso XIII's departure, he ultimately leaves Spain after failing to suppress protests against his rule on April 14, leading to Éibar being the first city to declare the Republic officially.

Early Reforms Under Provisional Government

• A Provisional Government led by Niceto Alcalá Zamora initiates significant reforms including a substantial increase in education funding and modernization efforts within the military under Manuel Azaña’s leadership.

The Reform Biennium (1931–1933)

• The PSOE wins elections on June 28, marking a two-year period known as the Reform Biennium where modern constitutional rights are established including freedom of expression and universal suffrage.

• Major social reforms include divorce legalization, civil marriage recognition, nationalization of church assets, and labor rights advancements such as minimum wage laws introduced by Largo Caballero at Labor Ministry.

Agrarian Reform and Political Tensions

• Ambitious Agrarian Reform aims at redistributing land from large estates to day laborers but faces backlash from conservative sectors leading to political unrest including attempted coups like that by General Sanjurjo which fails but escalates tensions further within society.

Shift Towards Conservatism (Post-Reform Biennium)

• Discontent among laborers leads to anarchist uprisings; harsh government responses result in scandals prompting early elections in 1933 where women vote for the first time amidst rising right-wing sentiments represented by CEDA coalition backed by church financing.

The Radicalization of Spanish Society and the Prelude to Civil War

The Great General Strike and Its Aftermath

• In October 1934, the PSOE organized a Great General Strike against the CEDA government, which escalated into an uprising.

• The revolution was quickly suppressed by General Franco, resulting in over 1,325 deaths in combat and around 30,000 incarcerations, including leaders from PSOE and UGT.

• By 1935, CEDA gained more influence in the government leading to political instability with eight different governments within two years.

The Elections of February 1936

• High voter participation characterized the February 1936 elections where leftist parties united under the Popular Front, re-establishing Manuel Azaña as president.

• The elections highlighted a radicalized Spanish society; youth organizations became militarized with significant violence reported post-elections.

Political Instability and Military Coup Attempts

• To prevent military coups, Azaña distanced coup-supporting generals like Franco from power centers; however, conspiracies continued against the Republic.

• Niceto Alcalá Zamora was removed from parliament in April 1936 and replaced by Manuel Azaña amid growing social instability.

Differences Between Military Coups

• Three key differences were noted between the upcoming military coup and that of Miguel Primo de Rivera in 1923: lack of unity among army factions, absence of support from the Head of State, and anticipated violent responses from radical left sectors.

Trigger Events Leading to Civil War