Spain's Political Upheavals: From Dictatorship to Civil War

The Primo de Rivera Dictatorship

In 1923, General Primo de Rivera led a military coup against the Spanish government, claiming that only a dictatorship could resolve the problems of Alfonso XIII's reign. With the king's approval, Primo de Rivera became head of government.

Initially, many sectors of society, including the army, church, and business owners, supported the dictatorship, hoping it would restore order. The Patriotic Union became the sole official party.

To maintain order, the government suppressed protests, regionalist movements, and anarchist organizations. More troops were deployed to Morocco, and in 1926, Spain declared victory in the Rif War.

From 1928 onward, opposition grew, with parties demanding the restoration of the Cortes and universities protesting censorship. Dissatisfaction also brewed within the armed forces regarding promotions.

The Great Depression, beginning in 1929, worsened Spain's political and economic situation, leading to rising unemployment and social conflict. Alfonso XIII withdrew his support, and in 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned.

The Second Republic

In April 1931, municipal elections resulted in a Republican-Socialist coalition victory in most cities, prompting Alfonso XIII's exile. On April 14th, the Second Republic was declared, and work began on the 1931 Constitution.

Left-Wing Governments (1931-1933)

Led by Manuel Azaña, these governments enacted various reforms:

• Territorial: Granted autonomy to Catalonia.
• Land: Expropriated large estates for redistribution to landless farmers, facing opposition from landowners and causing discontent due to slow implementation.
• Educational: Established free public education and banned religious instruction in schools.
• Labor: Mandated negotiations between businesses and unions, limited the workweek to 40 hours, and increased wages.
• Military: Reduced officer numbers, facing resistance from within the armed forces.
• Other: Allowed provinces with shared characteristics to form autonomous communities and established a secular state.

Right-Wing Government (1934-1936)

Conservative governments came to power, suspending previous reforms and suppressing protests. In October 1934, a general strike led to a social revolution in Asturias and Catalonia's declaration of statehood. Army intervention quelled these uprisings, but tensions led to new elections in 1936.

Popular Front Government (1936)

A left-wing coalition won the February 1936 elections and attempted to reinstate previous reforms. However, increasing protests and violent clashes between ideologies culminated in a military uprising in July 1936, marking the beginning of the Civil War.

The Spanish Civil War

The July 1936 military rebellion, led by Generals Mola, Sanjurjo, and Franco, aimed to:

• End social unrest.
• Halt left-wing reforms.
• Prevent a potential communist revolution.

Unable to secure a swift victory against Republican forces, Spain became divided, leading to civil war.

• Nationalists: Supported the uprising, receiving aid from Germany, Italy, and Portugal.
• Republicans: Loyal to the government, receiving support from the USSR and International Brigades.