Spain's Second Republic: Reforms, Conflicts, and Civil War

Time of Dynastic Decline

While dynastic parties lost influence, opposition groups strengthened:

• Rose-Republicanism
• Catalan nationalist groups achieved electoral success
• Socialism consolidated its presence
• Anarchist groups were fractionated

Three Monarchs of the Republic

Municipal elections on April 12, 1931, became a plebiscite between monarchy and republic. King Alfonso XIII suspended his royal power and left the country on April 14, 1931, proclaiming the Republic.

Reforms:

• Amnesty for political prisoners and freedom of parties and unions
• Social laws to improve the situation of day laborers
• Establishment of a provisional Generalitat of Catalonia

Biennium of Reform (1931-1933)

Military Reforms: The government implemented a retirement law allowing the retirement of almost half of the officers.

Religious-Educational Reforms: Attempts were made to reduce the Catholic Church's influence on education. The government promoted secular education and state responsibility for public schools.

Territorial Constitution: Opened the way for state decentralization, allowing autonomous statutes and self-government.

Agricultural Reforms: The Republic addressed the issue of large estates.

Conservative Biennium and People's Front (1933-1936)

Outbreak of the Civil War (1936-1939)

Military uprisings occurred in some cities, and a board of senior military officials was formed with the intention of overthrowing the Popular Front government.

Two Areas

Republican Areas: A social revolution ensued, with committees and organs of popular power leading the war effort and civilian life in the rearguard. This unleashed strong anti-clericalism. Aristocrats, bourgeoisie, and religious figures were persecuted. Military failures led to the division of republican territories.

Rebel Zone: The rebels established a new state, initially led by a defense board. General Franco was appointed Generalissimo and head of government. One of the first objectives of the national authorities was to reverse the republican reforms. Systematic repression was institutionalized in Franco-dominated areas, persecuting organizations and Popular Front representatives.