Spain's Popular Front: 1936 Elections and Civil War Origins

The Popular Front in Spain: A Pre-Civil War Coalition

This document outlines the program of the Popular Front, a significant coalition formed between Republican and Socialist parties in Spain. Constituted just one month before the pivotal 1936 elections, this left-wing alliance united against a common enemy: the rising threat of fascism. Authored by a collective of representatives from both Republican and Socialist parties, this text serves as a primary source document, offering a historical perspective on a critical period.

Historical Context: The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1936)

Proclamation of the Republic and Early Instability (1931-1933)

In 1931, the results of municipal elections led to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in various Spanish cities. This outcome was widely interpreted as a clear rejection of the monarchy. Despite General Sanjurjo, head of the Civil Guard, initially vowing to fight for the monarchy, King Alfonso XIII chose exile in Rome. Consequently, Socialists and Republicans assumed governmental power.

By mid-1933, the Republic's inherent instability became evident. The economic situation was dire, lagging significantly behind other European countries. Left-wing parties demanded faster and deeper social change, expressing their discontent through street demonstrations and labor actions. Conversely, right-wing parties, including the Church, army, and landowners, sought to halt these progressive changes.

Escalation of Tensions and the October Revolution (1933-1936)

A new call for elections saw right-wing parties gain significant ground, leading to numerous strikes and riots. In October, the situation escalated significantly. The appointment of three ministers from the right-wing CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas) to the government was perceived by many as a direct threat to the democratic republic and a step towards the introduction of fascism. In response, socialists and the UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores) called for a general strike.

In Catalonia, nationalists and independentists aligned with the revolutionary movement. The President of the Generalitat, Lluís Companys, proclaimed the Catalan Statute. However, the central government ordered the bombardment of the Generalitat, and Companys was subsequently imprisoned. It was in this highly charged atmosphere that the Popular Front was constituted, explicitly aiming to halt the advance of fascism. They presented a program based on compromise.

The Popular Front's Program of Reforms

The Popular Front, a coalition of Socialists and Republicans, was fundamentally united by its objective to stop fascism. The program they presented was ambitious and full of proposed reforms. Key tenets included:

• Constitutional Respect and Enforcement: A commitment to upholding and enforcing the existing constitution to counter fascist tendencies.
• Amnesty for Political Prisoners: A crucial point of agreement was the immediate amnesty for those imprisoned for political reasons.

While these points saw full consensus, disagreements emerged regarding land, economic, and social reforms:

• Land Reforms: Socialists advocated for immediate and sweeping land reforms, a stance not fully shared by Republicans, who, while acknowledging the need for action, preferred a more gradual approach.
• Economic Reforms: A similar divergence occurred in the economic sphere. Socialists pushed for the nationalization of banks, a measure Republicans did not endorse, though both agreed that significant economic changes were necessary.
• Social Reforms: There were only minor differences between the parties concerning social reforms. Both aimed to defend a regime where freedom and democracy would prevail, and the interests of citizens would be met.

Outcome and Legacy: The Road to Civil War

The 1936 elections resulted in a decisive victory for the Popular Front, leading to the formation of a new government comprising Socialists and Republicans. Manuel Azaña became the new President of the Republic, with Santiago Casares Quiroga serving as the head of government. However, this period was fraught with immense difficulties, ultimately culminating in a military coup that ignited the devastating Spanish Civil War.

During the Civil War, Republican forces continued their resistance until 1939. The Nationalist military gradually conquered all areas under Republican control, marking the end of the Second Spanish Republic and the Popular Front's brief but impactful tenure.