Spain's 1934 Revolution and the 1936 Popular Front Victory
The October Revolution of 1934
The Left replied negatively to the government of Lerroux. Accusations were leveled against monarchists and fascists, claiming they were acting against workers and the Republic. These tensions culminated in a general strike planned for October 5th in Asturias and Catalonia. However, the two strikes took very different forms.
The UHP Revolution in Asturias
In Asturias, miners staged a social revolution, resulting from a prior accord among anarchists, socialists, and communists who formed the Workers' Alliance: UHP (Unión de Hermanos Proletarios - Workers' Brothers Union). The strike led to significant violence and destruction. Upon receiving the news, the Lerroux government mobilized the army. France was reportedly concerned about the uprising spreading to Spain.
The movement was violently repressed, and the government regained control weeks after the rebellion began.
The Catalan Uprising of October 6th
In Catalonia, the protest drifted toward rebellion on October 6th. The President of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys, proclaimed the Catalan Republic within the Spanish Federal Republic. This was viewed as a danger, potentially halting the transfer of autonomous powers (competències).
The rebellion was quickly suppressed following the declaration of war and the occupation of the Palace of the Generalitat. The repression was severe: members of the government and the city council (ajuntament) were imprisoned. The Statute of Autonomy was temporarily suspended, and the Contracts of Cultivation Act was annulled.
Manuel Azaña, who was in Barcelona at the time, was also imprisoned. This imprisonment, however, ironically led to his political rehabilitation, helping him recover lost popularity.
Aftermath and Consequences of the 1934 Revolt
Casualties and Repression
- Asturias: Approximately 1,500 deaths.
- Catalonia: Approximately 80 deaths.
Lluís Companys and his government were imprisoned (Companys received a 30-year sentence). The Statute of Autonomy and the Generalitat were suspended.
Road to the 1936 Elections
Political Shifts in 1935
In 1935, the government of Lerroux was replaced by a cabinet led by Gil Robles (CEDA). However, President Alcalá Zamora did not accept this shift and subsequently called for new elections in February 1936.
- CEDA: Advocated for amending the Constitution and halting previous reforms.
- Radical Party: Suffered a major corruption scandal (the "Straperlo" affair, involving illegal gambling machines, which implicated figures close to Lerroux).
The Popular Front Coalition
The Left formed the Popular Front (Frente Popular), a coalition of various groups:
- Reformists (PRS)
- Revolutionaries (PSOE, PCE, POUM)
- Nationalists (ERC, ORGA)
- Anarchists (who supported radical reforms and rapid change).
A key platform of the Popular Front was granting amnesty for political offenses committed during the 1934 revolt.
The February 1936 General Election
Electoral Context
The election took place amidst a severe economic crisis and intense political polarization (frentismo) between the Popular Front (FP) and the CEDA, characterized by widespread social tension.
Detailed Results (Seats)
| Party/Coalition | Seats |
|---|---|
| CEDA | 120 |
| PSOE (Socialists) | 77 |
| IR (Republican Left) | 63 |
| ERC (Catalan Republican Left) | 22 |
| Liberal Party | 21 |
| PCE (Communists) | 11 |
| Lliga Catalana | 10 |
| Radical Party | 5 |
| ORGA | 6 |
| PRS | 4 |
| PS | 1 |
Final Electoral Balance
- Left (PSOE, IR, ERC, PCE, ORGA, PS): 206 seats.
- Right (CEDA, Lliga): 130 seats.
- Center (Liberal Party, Radical Party, others): Remaining seats.
The electoral victory was secured by the Left (Popular Front). Although the total popular vote was extremely close, the Left secured a clear majority of seats due to the electoral system.
Popular Vote Totals
- Right: 4,511,031 votes
- Left: 4,430,322 votes
- Center: 681,815 votes
- Blank Votes: 91,641 votes