The Second Spanish Republic and the Origins of the Civil War

The Reformist Biennium: The Birth of the Second Republic

The proclamation of the Republic from the balcony of the Interior Ministry in Madrid on April 14, 1931, was a celebration for the Spanish people, marking a political shift fueled by illusion and hope. A provisional government was established, presided over by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora and represented by various political parties, including Socialists, Left Republicans, and Galician autonomists.

The first action of this government was to set a date for democratic elections on June 28, where candidates would draft a new constitution. The Left (PSOE) triumphed with 116 seats.

The 1931 Republican Constitution

The 1931 Constitution defined Spain as a democratic republic of workers. Key features included:

• Regional Autonomies: The state permitted the formation of regional autonomous entities.
• Civil Rights: Courts held legislative power with control over the government.
• Universal Suffrage: Elections included the right to vote for women.
• Government Accountability: The government was responsible to the courts and could have its confidence withdrawn at any time.
• Secular State: The Church was prohibited from engaging in industry, commerce, and teaching.
• Education: Culture and education were declared primary functions of the state, with an obligation to extend them throughout the country.

Causes of the Spanish Civil War

The causes of the Civil War that ravaged Spain are multifaceted, with historians drawing various conclusions. A primary factor was the deep ideological division within the Spanish population, which intensified existing passions.

Following the fall of the monarchy in 1931, political fragmentation grew among Republicans, leading to numerous factions including socialists, communists, and separatists. The polarization of Spanish politics, which began in the late nineteenth century, reached its peak during the Second Republic. Furthermore, the economic crisis exacerbated the divide between social sectors. Workers and peasants, who had lived in appalling conditions, hoped the Second Republic would improve their situation, but their reality remained largely unchanged.

The Military Uprising of 1936

The military uprising that led to the Civil War began in Melilla on July 17, 1936. However, its success required the convergence of political pressure groups and military support. The tragic death of Calvo Sotelo accelerated these events.

On July 12, Lieutenant José Castillo of the Assault Guard—known for his leftist ideology—was killed, allegedly by radical Falangist groups. In retaliation, Calvo Sotelo, a leader of the Popular Front opposition, was kidnapped and killed. This crime convinced military leaders, including Francisco Franco, of the necessity of a coup. What was not expected was that this strike would lead to a long, hard war lasting three years.