Azaña's Government, the Casas Viejas Uprising and the 1933 Spanish Elections

Summary

This document describes the political crisis in Spain under Manuel Azaña's government, focusing on the anarchist general strikes of 1931–1933 and the violent repression of the Casas Viejas uprising in January 1933. It explains how the crisis led the PSOE to withdraw its support, forcing Azaña's resignation and new elections in November 1933. It also outlines the Left's fragmentation, the rise of the right-wing CEDA and the results of the 1933 election.

Key points

Anarchist revolutionary general strikes marked Azaña's government, including the Llobregat Basin strike (late 1931 – early 1932).
The Casas Viejas uprising (January 1933) began over the slow pace of land reform and ended with the Assault Guard setting houses on fire, causing numerous deaths.
The repression at Casas Viejas provoked protests from the labor movement, and the PSOE withdrew its support from Azaña's government.
Without the PSOE, Azaña could not govern and resigned; President Niceto Alcalá-Zamora called new elections for November 1933.
The right-wing CEDA, led by José María Gil Robles, united the right to reverse the previous left-wing reforms.
In the November 1933 election, right-wing parties won 204 seats, center parties 168 and left-wing parties 94.

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Government Crises Under Manuel Azaña

During Manuel Azaña's government, revolutionary general strikes began. These strikes were the mechanism by which the anarchists sought to carry out their revolutionary project.

Major Anarchist Strikes (1931–1933)

The Llobregat Basin Strike (Late 1931 – Early 1932): This strike, which was not highly significant in the long term, originated in the Llobregat Basin. It ended badly, dispersed by the Civil Guard and the Assault Guard. There were deaths, detentions, and imprisonments, but the movement was halted. Azaña disliked the idea that the anarchists were not supportive of his government.
The Casas Viejas Uprising (January 1933): This crisis originated in the town of Casas Viejas, Cádiz (Andalusia). The protest, led by anarchists, focused on the slow pace of land reform. Peasants began to occupy farms without legal permission. This occupation escalated into a general strike. The movement spread, leading to violent actions, including an assault on the Civil Guard barracks. Following this act, the government decided that the Assault Guard must regain control of the general strike across all villages near Casas Viejas. A man was sent to negotiate with the anarchists, but they rejected the terms and kidnapped him. Azaña's government ordered a merciless assault. The Assault Guard set fire to the houses, resulting in numerous deaths: 12 anarchists, 1 Assault Guard, and 2 Civil Guards.

Political Fallout and Azaña's Resignation

The Casas Viejas incident generated significant opposition to Azaña's government from the labor movement. This opposition contrasted the anarchists (CNT) and later the Marxists (UGT).

Due to these protests, the Socialist Party (PSOE) decided to withdraw its support from Azaña's government. Governing without the PSOE became impossible, forcing Azaña to resign. New elections were called by President Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, fixed for November 1933.

The 1933 General Election Campaign

Facing these new elections, the Left was fragmented and disengaged. The anarchist movement, whose ideology aligned with the Left but often advocated for abstention, largely did not vote.

On the other side, the Right, unified under the CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas), presented a united front for the 1933 elections. The CEDA was led by José María Gil Robles and was formed specifically to address and reverse the reforms of the previous left-wing government. Key parties within the CEDA included the League, Spanish Renewal, and the Spanish Agrarian Party. Calvo Sotelo was also a prominent figure in the right-wing bloc.

Election Results (November 1933)

Right-wing Parties: 204 seats
Center Parties: 168 seats
Left-wing Parties: 94 seats

FAQ

Why did Azaña resign in 1933?

The Casas Viejas incident caused strong opposition from the labor movement, and the Socialist Party (PSOE) withdrew its support. Governing without the PSOE became impossible, so Azaña resigned.

What was the Casas Viejas uprising?

It was an anarchist-led protest in Casas Viejas, Cádiz, in January 1933, over the slow pace of land reform. It escalated into a general strike and violence, and the government ordered a brutal assault in which many people died.

What was the CEDA?

The CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas) was a right-wing coalition led by José María Gil Robles, formed to address and reverse the reforms of the previous left-wing government.