Second Spanish Republic: Reforms and Constitution of 1931
The Second Republic and the Constitution of 1931
On April 14, 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed with widespread popular acceptance. This event ended the period of the Restoration and offered a historic opportunity to resolve the country's serious problems. The Republican Committee took over the state and formed a provisional government, with Alcalá-Zamora as president. A Constituent Assembly was convened.
Initial Actions and Challenges
The government's first actions included military reform and improvements in rural public education. The Church initially remained cautious, but Cardinal Segura issued a pastoral letter defending the previous regime and religion, leading to his expulsion from the country. Shortly after, over a hundred church buildings were burned, which damaged the credibility of the new regime.
The Constitution of 1931
The Constituent Assembly elections were won by the left and center parties. The resulting Constitution of 1931 established Spain as a democratic republic of workers. Key features included:
- Progressive and decentralized governance
- Secularism
- A unicameral legislature
- Predominance of the legislature over the executive branch
- Inclusion of political freedoms and social rights
The Church and State were separated. Alcalá-Zamora resigned as president and was replaced by Manuel Azaña. Alcalá-Zamora was then elected President.
The Reformist Biennium (1931-1933)
Azaña's government consisted primarily of leftist and socialist politicians. Key actions during this period included:
- Closure of the General Military Academy (AGM).
- Maintenance of the Civil Guard's military character.
- Formation of the Assault Guards, a police force loyal to the Republic.
The Sanjurjo Coup Attempt
There was discomfort among some military sectors regarding the debate on the Catalan Statute and concerns about the country's unity. This culminated in a right-wing coup attempt led by General Sanjurjo in August 1932, centered in Seville. The coup failed due to a mobilization of workers organized by the government.
Religious and Social Reforms
The Republic and Azaña's government faced challenges in the religious sphere. The incident with Cardinal Segura, the burning of convents, and the constitutional debate on religious matters alienated many Catholics. Reforms were enacted against clericalism, including the authorization of divorce, secularization of cemeteries, and the prohibition of religious orders from teaching.
Education Reform
Due to the high rate of illiteracy, approximately 5,000 schools were established annually. Teachers' salaries were increased, and their social recognition was enhanced.
Agrarian Reform
In agriculture, the unjust distribution of land among the upper class prompted efforts to create an agrarian middle class, aiming to increase production and improve market structure. The bases for agrarian reform were established to achieve this.
Social and Labor Reforms
The working class gained prominence. Social reforms aimed to improve the standard of living of the lower classes through land reforms and education. However, inequality and social problems persisted. The government sought social calm to implement reforms, but revolutionary acts led to social conflict and violence.
End of the Reformist Biennium
The consequences of the global economic crisis reached Spain. Traditional exports, the mining industry, and agriculture declined. Imports were also reduced, slowing down industrialization. Unemployment rose, causing social unrest and conflicts that the government struggled to address.
The Azaña government was weakening due to resistance to reforms, the party's own mistakes, and the global crisis. The left withdrew its support, and Alcalá-Zamora, president of the Republic, also withdrew his support, exercising his presidential rights.