The Second Spanish Republic: History, Reforms and Constitution

The Second Spanish Republic (April 1931 – July 1936)

The final years of Primo de Rivera’s dictatorship were a period of crisis. Consequently, the Second Spanish Republic began following the municipal elections in 1931. Although many parties existed, the republican coalition—comprising republicans, socialists, and left-wing nationalists—won in the majority of provincial capitals and industrial regions.

On 14th April 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed, and King Alfonso XIII went into exile in France.

Phases of the Second Spanish Republic

• Provisional Government (1931): Established after the municipal elections until new state elections were held.
• Progressive or Reformist Biennium (1931–1933): A left-wing government initiated reforms and proclaimed the Constitution of 1931.
• Conservative Biennium (1933–1936): A right-wing government, elected for the first time via universal male and female suffrage, halted the previous reforms.
• Popular Front (1936): A left-wing government that promoted reforms once again, though these were interrupted by the Civil War.

The Constitution of 1931

In June 1931, new elections resulted in a victory for the republican-socialist coalition. In December, a democratic and republican constitution was proclaimed during the Reformist Biennium.

Characteristics of the 1931 Constitution

• Possibility of autonomous regional government (similar to current CC.AA).
• Universal male and female suffrage for citizens over 23 years old.
• Legalization of civil marriage and divorce.
• Extensive civil liberties and individual rights.
• Establishment of Spain as a non-confessional state.
• Legislative power composed of a single chamber: the Chamber of Deputies.

General Reforms by the Provisional Government

The provisional government implemented several key reforms:

• Establishment of a provisional Generalitat in Catalonia.
• Legalization of political parties and trade unions.
• Implementation of an 8-hour workday.
• Insurance against workplace accidents.
• Establishment of minimum wages.

However, the most significant reforms took place during the Reformist Biennium.