Spain's Path to Republic: Dictatorship, Elections, and the 1931 Constitution

Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship (1923-1930)

In 1923, General Primo de Rivera organised a military coup with the king's consent and the support of certain sections of the high bourgeoisie and conservative politicians. The new regime suspended the Constitution and the Cortes. Political parties and some trade unions were also banned. The reduction of freedoms also affected the press and education, while those opposed to the dictatorship were repressed. Catalan and Basque nationalism was suppressed and their languages were banned in public.

The dictatorship started a programme of public works and monopolies that revived the economy. This prosperity failed to silence the opposition of workers, students, intellectuals, and nationalists. After the crisis of 1929, public confidence waned in the dictator. The king replaced him with General Berenguer in 1930.

From Monarchy to Republic: The 1931 Elections

The municipal elections on April 12, 1931, were seen as a choice between a monarchy and a republic. Those opposed to the monarchical regime created a coalition for the elections. The monarchist parties, on the other hand, were divided. The republican victory in cities and industrial areas reflected a desire for political change.

Faced with the situation, Alfonso XIII renounced royal authority and went into exile. Thousands of citizens took to the streets, and the Second Republic was proclaimed on April 14, 1931. Niceto Alcalá-Zamora called for elections to the Constituent Cortes. The elections were held in June, and the republican parties won by a significant majority. The new government included members of left-wing and nationalist parties. President Manuel Azaña promoted the drafting and approval of a new Constitution, which entered into force in December 1931.

Key Features of the 1931 Spanish Constitution

The 1931 Constitution was democratic and progressive. It was not supported by conservatives who rejected religious and regional issues. The Constitution:

• Defined Spain as an integral state, with the possibility of establishing autonomous regional governments.
• Established that legislative power resided in the Cortes, while executive power was held by the Consejo de Ministros and the Prime Minister.
• Established universal suffrage for both men and women for the first time.
• Proclaimed Spain a non-confessional state and legalized civil marriage and divorce.
• Recognized individual rights and established personal freedom.