The Radical Biennium (1933–1935): CEDA, Lerroux, and the October 1934 Uprising

The Radical Biennium (1933–1935) and the October Revolution

In September 1933, circumstances such as the loss of prestige and support for the interim government, coupled with events like the Casas Viejas incident, forced Manuel Azaña to resign. The subsequent elections, held in November 1933, were historic because women voted for the first time, in accordance with the Constitution of 1931. Consequently, the electoral rolls doubled.

The electoral winner was the CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas), led by José María Gil Robles, followed by the Radical Party and the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party). Due to the triumph of the right, led by Alejandro Lerroux, numerous anarchist uprisings occurred in major cities such as Córdoba, Barcelona, and Badajoz.

Restorative Work: The Radical Party Government

Although the CEDA won the most seats, the first two governments of this period were led by the Radical Party, with Alejandro Lerroux named President during the initial stage. This biennium was characterized by restorative work—the government's effort to reverse the reforms and excesses of the previous biennium (1931–1933). These actions led to the radicalization of the popular left.

Key Restorative Measures:

• Amnesty Law: An act was passed granting amnesty to those who had rebelled against the Republic, notably benefiting General Sanjurjo (imprisoned after the 1932 coup attempt).
• Counter-Agrarian Reform: Measures were undertaken to limit the application and scope of the agrarian reform previously enacted.
• Constitutional Amendments: A proposed constitutional amendment was presented, seeking to modify articles dealing with religious themes, autonomous regions, civil marriage, education, and private property.
• Religious Policy Reversal: The government sought to nullify the law of "confessions and religious congregations," allowing religious schools to resume teaching activities.
• Autonomy Stalled: The right effectively halted the autonomous process, increasing tensions with regional nationalists.

The October 1934 Revolution

The political tension culminated when three CEDA ministers joined the government, signaling a shift toward a more reactionary administration. In response, the General Union of Workers (UGT) called for a general strike.

The Uprisings:

• Catalonia: On October 6, 1934, the Catalan State was proclaimed in Barcelona. However, this declaration lasted barely a day due to swift military intervention and dominance over the situation.
• Asturias: The revolution was most successful and prolonged in Asturias, where a regional coalition known as the Alianza Obrera (Workers' Alliance)—comprising Republicans, Socialists, and Communists—was formed with the goal of socializing the means of production. The workers occupied the region and proclaimed the social revolution of the Workers' Councils.

The Asturian uprising was brutally suppressed by the government forces, marking a violent climax to the Radical Biennium.