Authoritarian Regimes & Spain's Second Republic: History

Authoritarian Regimes

Politics: Power was concentrated in the hands of a supreme leader and one ruling political party. Propaganda was used to spread the party's message and glorify the leader. There were no free elections, and other political parties were prohibited.

Economy: The state intervened in and controlled the economy. Public-works programmes were used to reduce unemployment, and trade unions were prohibited or controlled by the ruling party.

Society: The state limited rights and freedoms, and repressive measures were used against people who opposed or criticised the regime.

Foreign policy: These regimes pursued expansionist foreign policies to gain new territory and access to raw materials.

The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)

In April 1931, municipal elections took place in Spain. When a republican-socialist coalition won in most cities, Alfonso XIII went into exile. On 14 April, the Second Republic was declared. The government then began working on a new constitution, which became the Constitution of 1931.

Left-Wing Governments (1931-1933)

The governments of this period were formed by republicans from various political parties, led by Manuel Azaña. The president of the republic was Alcalá Zamora. During these years, a number of significant reforms were introduced:

• Territorial reforms: These included a statute of autonomy for Catalonia.
• Land reform: Large agricultural estates were expropriated so that they could be broken up and given to the poor. The landowners opposed this policy, and its slow implementation caused discontent among the rural working class.
• Educational reforms: Public education became free and compulsory, and religious education in schools was banned.
• Labour reforms: New laws forced businesses to negotiate working conditions and wages with the trade unions. The working week was limited to 40 hours, and wages were increased. Business owners were opposed to these changes.
• Military reforms: The number of officers was reduced; many members of the armed forces opposed this.

Provinces with common historical or economic features could establish communities with their own statutes of autonomy. The state was secular, so there was no official religion.

These reforms led to protests and disturbances by groups at both extremes of the political spectrum. Azaña finally resigned.

Right-Wing Governments (1934-1936)

After Azaña’s resignation, elections were held, and a more conservative government came to power. It suspended the Second Republic’s reforms and took measures to stop protests and social conflict. In October 1934, a general strike led to two important events: a social revolution broke out in Asturias, and Catalonia proclaimed itself to be a state. The army intervened to suppress both these uprisings, but increasing tension eventually brought about new elections in 1936.

The Popular Front Government (1936)

A coalition made up of various left-wing parties won the election in February 1936. They tried to continue implementing the reforms of the Second Republic, but there were an increasing number of protests. In July 1936, a decisive event took place: part of the military rose up against the government. This uprising against the Second Republic triggered the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War.