Spain's Second Republic: Political Turmoil 1933-1936

Political Shift and the Bienio Negro

The new executive guided its political action towards the dismantling of any previous government reform. The 'Black Biennium' (Bienio Negro) was structured around the Radical Party led by Lerroux and the CEDA led by José María Gil Robles.

The conservative turn resulted in a radicalization of the PSOE and UGT.

The CEDA Enters Government

Strikes and conflicts caused the CEDA to demand direct participation in the government, threatening to withdraw parliamentary support from Lerroux. Thus, it was granted 3 ministerial portfolios.

The 1934 Revolution and Its Impact

The entrance of the CEDA into the government was seen by the left as a road to fascism, and the next day there were general strikes in the large cities. The most prominent were those of Asturias and Catalonia.

The consequences of the 1934 revolution were the major influence of the CEDA in the government and the union of the left.

Aftermath of 1934 and Government Crisis

CEDA Influence and Failed Reforms

The CEDA's influence resulted in a blueprint for reforming the constitution, but it failed to be voted on as a result of the government crisis.

Scandals and the Fall of Alcalá Zamora

Factors included a lack of understanding between the president and Lerroux, and the Radical Party was affected by a series of corruption scandals like the 'Estraperlo'. The lack of a parliamentary majority made it impossible for Alcalá Zamora to remain in power. Alcalá Zamora called elections for February 1936.

The February 1936 Elections

Formation of the Popular Front

The left-wing parties grouped together based on the Popular Front's joint program to defend the granting of amnesty for political prisoners. They failed to compile a single candidate list for all of Spain or write a fully consensual program.

Popular Front Victory and New Government

The Popular Front obtained an electoral victory. Manuel Azaña was named President of the Republic and Prime Minister (Presidente del Gobierno). Casares Quiroga decreed an amnesty and required companies to reinstate workers laid off after the 1934 strikes.

Initial Measures and Regional Issues

The government of the Generalitat of Catalonia, dissolved after the October 1934 events, was reinstated, and negotiations began for the adoption of a statute for the Basque Country. To stop rumors of a coup, some generals were removed from power.

Some landowners objected to the new measures, and some businesses closed factories.

Towards the Civil War

Growing Tensions and Violence

The Spanish Falange was the party that resorted to street violence.

Planning the Military Coup

On the night after the February 1936 elections, a group agreed on a general uprising. General Emilio Mola was the chief planner of the coup. His plan was a simultaneous pronouncement in all possible military garrisons. However, the supreme leader of the uprising would be General Sanjurjo, who lived in exile in Portugal.

The conspiracy had the support of monarchists and the Spanish Falange. The plotters sought to establish a military dictatorship first, and then return to the republic or advance the monarchy.

Triggers and the Start of the Uprising

The coup was advanced following the murder of José Calvo Sotelo, in response to the previous murder of Lieutenant Castillo, a member of the left.

The uprising started in Morocco in July and soon spread throughout the peninsula.

Failed Coup and Civil War Ignition

The failed military coup in much of Spain sparked a civil war.