Spain's Right-Wing Biennium: Political Turmoil 1933-1936

The Right-Wing Biennium (1933-1936)

During this period, the Republic faced a dual opposition from both monarchists and anarchists.

Opposition from New Monarchist Groups

In 1932, the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups) was formed by José María Gil Robles's Acción Popular. It became the country's main right-wing party with objectives to:

• Revise the Constitution
• Curb social reformism
• Defend Catholicism

Other right-wing parties included the Comunión Tradicionalista and Renovación Española. Smaller fascist-leaning groups, such as the Falange Española de las JONS, also emerged. In 1933, the UME (Spanish Military Union) was created. All these groups conspired against the Republic.

Anarchist Opposition

The slow pace of the Agrarian Revolution, which involved property records and land deals for day laborers (jornaleros), fueled anarchist opposition. Consequently, President Alcalá Zamora called for new elections in November 1933, resulting in a victory for the center-right.

Factors in the Center-Right Victory

This radical shift occurred for several reasons:

• Catholics voted for the right.
• The CNT (National Confederation of Labour) advocated for abstentionism.
• The Republicans were divided at the polls.
• The negative impact of the female vote, which was perceived as conservative.
• A poor economic situation.

Alcalá Zamora tasked Lerroux with forming a government, which ruled with the support of the CEDA. Its main measures included:

• Abolition of the minimum wage law.
• An attempted concordat with the Holy See.
• Endowment for the rural clergy.

The CEDA Government and the Revolution of October 1934

The appointment of three CEDA ministers triggered the Revolution of 1934. The UGT (General Union of Workers) called a general strike, but isolated initiatives prevented a complete takeover.

Key Events of the Revolution

1. Madrid: Several leaders of the strike committee were arrested.
2. Catalonia: Lluís Companys proclaimed the Catalan State within the Spanish Federal Republic.
3. Biscay (Vizcaya): The strike was prolonged but eventually repressed by the army and the Civil Guard.
4. Asturias: The miners' uprising was particularly significant, becoming a true civil conflict.

Consequences of the Revolution

The outcome of the October Revolution was bloody, with severe consequences:

• The right demanded the banning of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party).
• The government, led by the CEDA, suspended the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia.
• Left-leaning military commanders were removed.
• Francisco Franco was appointed Chief of the General Staff.
• Calvo Sotelo founded the National Block (Bloque Nacional).

End of the Biennium (December 1935 - February 1936)

The right-wing government fell into crisis, forcing Lerroux to resign. After several failed attempts to form a new government, President Alcalá Zamora dissolved the courts and called for elections in February 1936. This period was considered so unsatisfactory that it was called the "two sterile years."