Spain's 1936 Elections: Parties & Political Tensions

Spanish Elections: Ideologies and Political Landscape

The political landscape revealed a strategy for amnesty and the Statute of Catalonia, confronting an entrenched fascist right. Anarchist sentiment was significant in these elections. Three main ideologies were voted upon: reform without revolution, fascism, and revolution. The Popular Front (PF) won by a small margin, but the electoral law granted them more seats, leading to a government formed exclusively by republicans.

Electoral Analysis Notes

Although there were over 30 parties, the graph (not provided here) likely focused on only the 14 most prominent ones.

Major Political Parties and Movements

PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party)

A mass party with Marxist ideology, the PSOE recovered votes in these elections. They believed that if they failed in the political arena, the path of revolution would always remain an option.

CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups)

A Catholic mass party, CEDA lost seats compared to previous elections. Its leader, Gil Robles, was heavily influenced by fascist politics. They had governmental experience during the reformist biennium.

Unión Republicana (Republican Union)

Led by Martínez Barrio, this party was at odds with Lerroux's radical groups.

Esquerra Catalana (Catalan Left)

A coalition of Catalan parties, including Esquerra Republicana, it was an important force representing Catalan nationalism. Its leader was Lluís Companys.

Other Significant Political Forces

PCE (Communist Party of Spain)

The PCE secured 17 deputies by being part of the coalition. Their strength significantly increased during the Civil War, with Dolores Ibárruri ("La Pasionaria") as a prominent leader.

Other Parties of Note

Other parties had lower representation and were not among the most prominent. These included:

• The POUM (Workers' Party of Marxist Unification), described with a Stalinist ideological line.
• The Partido Galeguista (Galicianist Party).

Derechas Republicanas (Republican Right)

The former Radical Party, whose scandals almost led to its extinction.

Centristas (Centrists)

Loosely organized groups, mainly active in Galicia.

Conservative and Right-Wing Blocs

Bloque Nacional (National Bloc)

This bloc advocated for a Spanish restoration, with its major leader being the Catholic monarchist Calvo Sotelo. It achieved triumphs in some areas.

Lliga Catalana (Catalan League)

A conservative party that integrated the Catalan bourgeoisie.

Partido Agrario (Agrarian Party)

This party represented entrepreneurs and landowners affected by the Republic's policies, with a presence in Castile and Andalusia.

Nationalist and Traditionalist Groups

PNV (Basque Nationalist Party)

A traditional Catholic conservative party representing Basque nationalism.

Carlistas (Carlists)

Traditionalist monarchists who had been conspiring for some time. They possessed a paramilitary organization that played a role in the Civil War.

Falange Española (Spanish Phalanx)

It appears no member was elected at this stage, possibly because they presented candidates independently due to disagreements with CEDA. It became an important force during the Civil War.

Conclusion: Aftermath and Rising Tensions

Following the elections, measures such as amnesty, religious freedom, and land expropriation were implemented. Shortly thereafter, General Mola's conspiracy began, setting the stage for further conflict.