Spain's 20th Century Reforms: Church Separation and Land Distribution

Religious Reform Measures and Impact

Antecedents of Church Reform

The Church held excessive social influence and was perceived as a conservative, right-wing force. The power structures (the Army and the Church) were monarchical and conservative. The perceived excessive weight and influence of the Church necessitated separation from the State.

Key Actions of Religious Reform

Church-State Separation

The Church ceased to be maintained and financed by the State, becoming self-financed. This fostered greater religious freedom, allowing for the freedom of religious expression outside the home.

Abolition of Religious Education

Religious instruction was abolished in public schools. The goal was to reduce the Church's influence within society by promoting secular public centers.

Establishment of Civil Records

The government took control of civil records (birth, death, inheritance, civil marriage, divorce), shifting control over major life events away from the Church.

Consequences of Religious Reform

The reforms provoked strong opposition:

• Major right-wing parties opposed the measures, especially those related to the new Constitution.
• The expulsion of the Jesuits was cited as an example of excessive measures.
• This opposition fueled political polarization (frontism), which began shortly thereafter.

Agrarian Reform: Addressing Economic and Social Crisis

Background and Social Context

A severe economic crisis led to widespread social distress. Agricultural workers, concentrated primarily in regions like Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla La Mancha, suffered high unemployment and vulnerability.

The government sought to mitigate the crisis and stimulate the industrial sector, recognizing that land inequality was a major impediment.

Key Actions of Land Reform

1. Expropriation Without Compensation

   Land held by the Grandees of Spain (traditional nobility) was subject to expropriation without compensation if the original purchase lacked legal justification.

2. Expropriation With Compensation for Misused Land

   Estates that were demonstrably misused were expropriated with compensation. Misuse included:

   • Lands left uncultivated.
   • Poor irrigation practices.
   • Excessive reliance on extensive cattle farming over cultivation.

3. Land Distribution and Financing

   Expropriated lands were divided into lots and distributed among agricultural workers. Criteria for distribution included:

   • Dry land lots were generally larger.
   • Irrigated land lots were smaller.

   To facilitate the exploitation of these new holdings, the government provided cheap loans to the workers.