Spanish Second Republic: Peace, Reform, and Conflict (1931-1936)

The Second Republic in Peacetime (1931-1936)

The young Second Republic was born into a challenging international context, marked by adverse economic and political conditions. The global economic crisis, triggered by the 1929 crash, was in full swing, and the democratic model was declining in Europe. Austria had a *para-fascist* government, Germany was on the verge of being ruled by Adolf Hitler, and Mussolini's Italy was already firmly established. In short, European society in the 1930s witnessed a growing polarization between fascism and socialism.

Key Periods of the Republic

• The Provisional Government (1931)
• The "Reformist Biennium": A period of left-wing political reforms.
• The "Red Biennium": A period marked by the CEDA government, aiming to dismantle the work of the previous biennium.
• The Popular Front

The Provisional Government (1931)

The interim government, a result of the Pact of San Sebastian (August 1, 1930), included representatives from various political groups: Radicals, Republicans, Catalan nationalists, and Catholics. Socialists were also represented. This Provisional Government, composed of Republicans, Socialists, and Catalan nationalists, initiated several reforms, including amnesty laws and social reforms. General elections were called for in 1931.

The Constitution of 1931

The Constitution of 1931 established universal suffrage, proclaimed the secular nature of the state, and vested legislative power in a single chamber. Niceto Alcalá Zamora became the President.

Catalan Autonomy

Following the electoral victory, Francesc Macià proclaimed the Catalan Republic. The name "Generalitat" was adopted, and a provisional government was established. In 1932, the Statute of Autonomy was approved, establishing the autonomous institutions: Parliament, Executive Council (or Government), and the President of the Generalitat. The first elections were held on November 20, 1932.

The *Reformist Biennium* (1931-1933)

This period saw significant reforms:

• Military reform
• Religious reform
• Educational reform
• Land reform
• Territorial reform

These reforms faced opposition from both conservative sectors and the working class.

The Conservative Biennium and the Popular Front (1933-1936)

A new government took power, leading to riots in 1934. The CEDA government was restored. In response, forces opposed to the Republic staged a coup, initiating the Spanish Civil War. The conflict pitted Republicans against the forces led by Francisco Franco, beginning on July 18, 1936, and ending in 1939.