Spanish Second Republic: History and Reforms (1931-1933)

The Spanish Second Republic: Origins and Context

The Second Republic was established following the elections of April 12, 1931. This transition was driven by the significant victory of the Republican parties in major cities, which was interpreted as a clear demand for change. This occurred during a period when democratic systems were endangered and fascism had begun to rise across Europe.

Internal and External Factors

Several internal factors contributed to the Republic's challenges, including a lack of democratic tradition, intense social conflict, the slow pace of reform, and strong opposition from conservative groups. External factors included the global impact of the 1929 stock market crash and the rise of fascism in Europe.

The initial constitutional period lasted from April to December 1931. The provisional government was composed of Republicans, Socialists, and Catalan and Galician nationalists. The first date for the Constituent Assembly was set for July 28, 1931, by Alcalá Zamora.

The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)

During this period, several key sectors were renovated:

Military Reform

Manuel Azaña (Minister of War) sought to modernize the army and reduce its "macrocephaly," aiming to democratize the institution and submit it to civilian power. Key measures included:

• Approval of the law for official retirement, affecting 7,000 officers.
• Deletion of the Courts of Honor and the Supreme Council of Military Justice.
• Creation of the Assault Guard.

Education and Culture

The government promoted a liberal and secular education to be spread throughout the population. Efforts included:

• Increasing the number of schools by 100,000 and teachers by 7,000.
• Ending the hegemony of religious education by establishing a "mixed, secular, compulsory, and free" school system.
• Improving the general cultural level by promoting cultural initiatives in humble areas and creating rural missions, libraries, and theater groups.

Territorial and Agrarian Reform

The goal was to end the dominance of landlordism and improve the living conditions of farmers through the Land Reform Act. This act aimed to expropriate large estates with or without indemnification (the latter applying to the Grandees of Spain). The Agrarian Reform Institute (ARI) led these practices, including inventory, indemnification, and settlements.

Opposition to the Republic

These reforms faced significant opposition from various groups:

• The Army: Led by Sanjurjo, who attempted a coup in the summer of 1932.
• The Church and the Right: Including those who questioned the possibility of accepting the Republic (CEDA), led by Gil Robles.
• Monarchists: Seeking to overthrow the Republic, such as the Carlists led by Fal Conde and Spanish Renewal led by Calvo Sotelo.
• Fascists: Specifically the Spanish Falange (1933), led by Primo de Rivera.