The Tumultuous Birth of the Spanish Second Republic

The Transition from Monarchy to Republic in Spain

The transition from monarchy to republic in Spain was initially peaceful. Following the April 1931 elections, Alfonso XIII proclaimed the republic and left the country. However, subsequent reforms antagonized the oligarchy, particularly landowners, leading to civil unrest. The republic was born during a period of economic hardship and amidst the rise of democracy, fascism, and Soviet communism in Europe.

The Provisional Government and the 1931 Constitution

The provisional government implemented educational and military reforms and called for early elections. A coalition of socialist-republicans won the elections by universal suffrage. This government faced conflicts with the CNT (National Confederation of Labour) and the Church, leading to the burning of convents and the expulsion of Cardinal Segura.

The 1931 Constitution was progressive and democratic, defining Spain as a republic of workers. Key characteristics included:

• A comprehensive declaration of individual rights.
• Recognition of private property, although it could be expropriated for national interest.
• Provision for civil marriage and divorce.
• Legislative power vested in the courts, elected every four years.
• Guarantees by the Constitutional Court to resolve violations against the constitution.
• Acknowledgement of an integral state compatible with regional autonomy.
• Municipal freedom and separation of church and state, with the state ceasing to pay the clergy.

A crisis led to the resignation of Alcalá Zamora, and Manuel Azaña was elected president of the republic.

The Reformist Biennium

Agrarian Reform

The Agrarian Reform Law, aimed at agricultural reform, was deemed a failure due to its slow implementation and lack of funding by the IRA (Institute for Agrarian Reform).

Religious Reform

Religious reforms included the removal of the Jesuits and the confiscation of their assets. The budget for worship and clergy was abolished, religious orders were forbidden from teaching, and the exercise of religious activities was restricted.

Social Reform

Social reforms included the passage of laws on labor contracts, the organization of workers' conventions, the creation of labor inspection, the establishment of mixed juries, and the reduction of working hours for farmers.

Educational Reform

Educational reforms led to the construction of numerous schools and the training of teachers. Public education was free, Catholic religious education was eliminated, and religious congregations were banned from providing education.

Military Reform

Military reforms aimed to modernize the army, eliminate the rank of captain-general, and close the military academy in Zaragoza.

These reforms faced strong opposition from both the right and the left due to their slow pace. Social and political tensions culminated in a failed coup led by General Sanjurjo, which lacked the support of the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights). Social unrest and protests, such as the anarchist uprising in Casas Viejas, further destabilized the government. The resulting political violence led to Azaña's resignation and the calling of elections in 1933.