The Second Spanish Republic: A Period of Reform and Conflict (1917-1936)

1. Describe the reforms promoted by conservative (Maura) and liberal (Canalejas) politicians prior to 1917.

Antonio Maura promoted a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Spain. These included changes to laws related to taxes, voting, local administrations, and strikes. However, these measures did little to address the widespread corruption and election rigging that plagued the political system.

José Canalejas, a liberal politician, implemented reforms that aimed to limit the power of the Church, regulate employment, establish obligatory military service, and decentralize the Spanish government.

2. Which social groups played important roles in the protest movements of 1917? Why were they unhappy with the existing political system?

The protest movements of 1917 involved various social groups, including the lower classes, the army, and those dissatisfied with the authoritarian government of the time. The public was unhappy with the conservative government of Eduardo Dato, which they perceived as unresponsive to their needs and concerns.

3. What action did the opposition take?

The opposition demanded the government's resignation and called for a special session of the Cortes (Spanish Parliament).

4. How did the government respond to their actions?

The government temporarily repressed the strikes and attempted to reach agreements with military and political leaders.

5. How did Primo de Rivera come to power?

Primo de Rivera led a military coup in 1923, claiming that his military dictatorship would guarantee social order. He received support from King Alfonso XIII, businessmen, and conservatives, who favored an authoritarian regime.

6. Describe the period of the civil government and how the dictatorship ended. What are the pros and cons of this period?

The period of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship (1923-1930) was characterized by the suppression of political opposition, censorship, and the curtailment of civil liberties. The dictatorship ended with the King's decision to dismiss Primo de Rivera in 1930, following widespread public discontent and a growing economic crisis.

Pros:

• Increased stability and order.
• Economic recovery.
• Infrastructure development.

Cons:

• Suppression of political opposition and civil liberties.
• Censorship and control of the media.
• Lack of democratic accountability.

7. What parties made up the provisional government? Describe their reforms. Which social groups must have welcomed them?

The provisional government that emerged after the fall of the monarchy in 1931 was composed of Republicans, Socialists, and Nationalists. They implemented a series of reforms, including:

• Amnesty for political prisoners.
• Freedom to form political parties and unions.
• Labor laws to improve working conditions.
• A provisional Catalan government.
• A new election system to address the issue of caciquism (political patronage).

These reforms were welcomed by various social groups, including:

• Workers who benefited from improved labor conditions.
• Catalans who sought greater autonomy.
• Political activists who had been persecuted under the dictatorship.

8. Summarize the main principles of the 1931 Constitution. Why was it seen as both democratic and progressive?

The 1931 Constitution established a democratic republic based on the following principles:

• Acceptance of autonomous governments.
• Universal suffrage for men and women.
• A non-denominational state.
• Legalization of marriage and divorce.
• Ban on religious instruction in schools.
• Recognition of individual rights and extensive civil liberties.

The Constitution was considered both democratic and progressive because it extended voting rights to women, separated the Church from the state, and enshrined individual freedoms.

9. Make a table to summarize the people and organizations that were opposed to the reforms.

10. Why were industrial workers, day laborers, and peasants dissatisfied with republican reforms? How did they express their protests?

Industrial workers, day laborers, and peasants were dissatisfied with the republican reforms due to the slow pace of change, particularly in the agricultural sector. The radicalization of the UGT (General Union of Workers), the rise of communist and anarchist movements, and the initiation of armed uprisings by anarchist groups reflected their growing frustration.

11. What political orientation was represented by the candidates elected in 1933? What changes did they make?

The 1933 elections saw the victory of right-wing parties, led by the CEDA (Confederation of Autonomous Right). This shift in political power led to a rollback of some of the republican reforms, including:

• Increased influence of the Catholic Church.
• Restrictions on labor unions.
• Weakening of the Catalan autonomy.

The right-wing government's policies further polarized Spanish society and contributed to the growing tensions that ultimately led to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936.