The Second Spanish Republic and the Franco Dictatorship

The Fall of the Monarchy and the Second Republic

Determined to find a solution to the political situation and to establish the Constitution, the king favored the holding of municipal elections on April 12, 1931. These gave a resounding victory to the Republican-Socialist candidates in large cities and provincial capitals, while the total number of councilors remained overwhelmingly monarchist. Following demonstrations demanding the restoration of the Republic, the king left the country. Once he abandoned his obligations, the Second Republic was proclaimed on April 14.

Political Turmoil and Radicalization

During the Republic, there was major political and social turmoil, marked by a sharp radicalization of both the left and the right. Moderate leaders were boycotted, and each side sought to create a Spain in its own image. During the first two years, a coalition of Republicans and Socialists ruled. In the elections held in 1933, the right-wing won, followed by the left-wing in 1936.

Escalation of Violence and Civil War

The rising tide of violence included:

• Church burnings
• The Sanjurjo monarchist uprising
• The 1934 revolution
• Numerous attacks against rival political leaders

On July 17, 1936, Spanish military units in Africa rose up, beginning the Civil War. Spain was divided into two zones: one under the authority of the republican government and one controlled by the rebels, in which General Francisco Franco was appointed Head of State.

The Victory of the Rebels

German and Italian support for the rebels—much stronger than the support provided by the Soviet Union and Mexico to Republican Spain—combined with continuing clashes between Republican factions, led to the victory of the rebels on April 1, 1939.

The Franco Dictatorship and International Relations

General Franco's victory led to the establishment of an authoritarian regime. This included strong repression of the losers, forcing thousands of Spaniards into exile, while many others were sentenced to death or internment in labor camps. Although Franco kept the country non-belligerent in World War II, his undisguised support for the Axis powers led to international political and economic isolation.

However, the constraints of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union led the "Western" powers to tolerate and eventually recognize the Franco regime, ending its isolation. Agreements were signed with the United States allowing the installation of joint military bases in Spain. In 1956, Morocco, which had been a French and Spanish protectorate, became independent, and an economic stabilization plan was initiated. In 1969, Franco named Juan Carlos de Borbón, grandson of Alfonso XIII, Prince of Spain and his successor as King. While the regime maintained fierce repression against political opposition, Spanish industrial and economic development was significant during the dictatorship.