Second Spanish Republic: Reforms & Events

Second Spanish Republic Reforms and Challenges

Anti-Clerical Sentiment

The strong anti-clerical sentiment that prevailed in some sections of Spanish society led to a major wave of physical attacks on the Church, resulting in the burning of convents and parishes. While the issue of religious liberty was debated within the framework of the Constitution, the attacks were largely a popular reaction to the excessive power hitherto exercised by the Church.

Military Reform Efforts

Another important issue was the military reform carried out by Manuel Azaña. Among other things, it urged the withdrawal of military personnel who did not swear allegiance to the Republic, promoted the motorization of the cavalry, and ordered the closing of the Military Academy of Zaragoza (at the time, led by Francisco Franco). Many soldiers did not agree with these measures, which would later lead them to act against the Republic.

Agrarian Reform Challenges

The agrarian reform was perhaps the weakest point of the Republic; it largely failed. The original intention was to redistribute land and income among the peasants. To do so, some expropriations were issued against large landowners. But the lack of collaboration from these landowners undermined the measure. With the coming to power of right-wing parties in 1933, these expropriations were canceled, so the reform remained a deliberate attempt, but not a tangible reality.

Rise of Regional Nationalism

The issue of nationalism was a triumph for those regions seeking greater autonomy. This was the case in Catalonia. In 1932, a Statute of Autonomy was approved, and the Generalitat, which had been abolished in 1714, was restored, with its government presided over by Francesc Macià. His example was followed by other regions like the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia, with mixed fortunes, as only the Basque Country would achieve a statute during the Republican period.

Political Turmoil and Backlash

The conservative backlash to all measures of the Republic was not long in coming.

Sanjurjo's Uprising

In 1932, General José Sanjurjo staged an uprising against the system, which failed and resulted in his exile to Portugal.

The Casas Viejas Incident

However, a year later, a tragic event severely damaged the government's prestige, precipitating the call for elections. In the village of Casas Viejas (Cadiz), an anarchist uprising against some measures of land reform was brutally repressed. This measure led the government, among others led by Manuel Azaña, to be discredited.

The 1933 Elections

The elections were held on November 19, 1933, with the participation of women for the first time.