The Progressive Biennium in Spain: Reforms and Social Unrest
The Progressive Biennium (1931-1933): Extension of Reforms
The Reform of the Army
The Spanish army suffered from a serious situation of "macrocephaly." This prompted a reform aimed at creating a professional and democratic army, demanding loyalty to the Republic and its constitution. To end the "macrocephaly," withdrawal was offered to all commanders and officers who so desired. To make it more operational, half of the military regions were eliminated. To ensure these measures, the Military Academy in Zaragoza, led by General Francisco Franco Bahamonde, was closed. The reaction was immediate from much of the army, a move that was seen in the Sanjurjada.
The Religious Question
The Church was reluctant to accept the separation of church and state and secular laws regarding marriages, cemeteries, etc. However, the issue of education generated the most controversy, particularly the repeal of compulsory religious instruction and the removal of crucifixes from schools.
The Agrarian Reform
Largo Caballero initiated these emergency measures to improve the living conditions of workers:
- The Decree of Municipal Terms, forcing employers to hire day laborers from their own municipality.
The project for Agrarian Reform was debated in the Cortes, with its most important aspects being:
- Establishment of the Institute of Agrarian Reform (IRA).
- Expropriation without compensation of land belonging to the Grandees of Spain.
- Declaration of expropriated land allotted to the State.
The practical results of the Agrarian Reform Law were disappointing for everyone.
Reform of the State of Autonomies
In Catalonia, after a referendum, the draft Statute of Autonomy was approved by the Parliament on September 9, 1932. In the Basque Country, nationalists grouped in the PNV and Carlists gathered at the Estella Pact to agree upon and draft a Statute of Autonomy.
Social and Educational Reforms
The goal of educational reform was to promote a liberal and secular education. CEDA, a traditional Catholic party, was created, led by Gil Robles. Another party, Renovación Española, founded by Alfonsists, was led by Calvo Sotelo. General Sanjurjo led a failed coup (the Sanjurjada).
Workers and Social Conflict
Resistance to these reforms by employers, the Church, and other forces, combined with the extreme positions of some left-wing organizations, especially the CNT and the UGT, led to increased social conflict. President Azaña resigned, and the Republic dissolved Parliament, calling elections for November 1933.