The end of the Spanish monarchy, 1931.
- Despite being a constitutional monarchy, Alfonso XIII preferred to work with the military rather than politicians.
- He never won the affection of his people and displayed no real understanding of how to tackle Spain’s social and economic problems.
- Alfonso was closely connected to the Church. He claimed he was ‘ready to shed his own blood for the Church.’
- The king gave his support to General Primo de Rivera, who overthrew the government in 1923 and instituted a dictatorship which lasted until 1930. At the end of his dictatorship the kind instituted another military government.
By 1931 the monarchy was associated with destruction of Spain’s constitutional forms of government. The election of April 1931 gave massive support to Socialists and Republicans. Alfonso XIII left the country that year.
Years of reform
--- Widespread enthusiasm for the Second Republic (known as ‘La Nina Bonita’ – the beautiful girl) led to overwhelming support in the June 1931 election for parties supporting the Republic. However, by 1933 traditional conservative forces where horrified at the governments attack of their interests. The conservates opposed reforms which hindered the influence of the Church, army and land. By 1933 President Azana had lost popularity and a re-election was called ---
Provisional Government
The provisional government was to govern Spain until a new constitution had been agreed from when Alfonso XIII left the country in April 1931.
The provisional government was a coalition of four parties which spanned the whole political spectrum and could agree on little – except the ending of the Spanish monarchy.
--- Beginnings of the Republic ---
The republic was born during the worst years of depression. In march 1936 Spanish industry was producing only 77% of its 1929 output. Production of iron fell massively. Government revenue fell because of the lack of funds they had.
The new government faced lots of serious issues.
The constitution of the Second Republic, December 1931
- They wanted a constitutional Cortes to establish the new constitution
- Elections were held in June and Spanish voters gave overwhelming support to the Republic.
- Socialists won 115 seats and became the largest party in the Cortes.
- Right-wing parties had lost massive amounts of seats.
Because of the attack on the Church the government was further split. The Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs resigned in protest – this meant that their the government leant even further more to the left and assisted in radicalisation.
Azana’s government were determined to carry out two significant reforms:
- Agrarian reform
- Autonomy to Calatonia
Casa Viejas 1933
Farmers in the town of Casa Viejas were angry at the slow pace of the reforms and, inspired by the CNT action elsewhere in Spain, rose against the Republic in January 1933. They attacked the Civil Guard, killing several. Retribution was rapid and severe. Reinforcements were sent to the town (including the Assault Guard which was the urban paramilitary squad). Armed with machine guns they were determined to wipe out resistance.
20 prisoners were shot in cold blood, some after long periods of torture. Houses were set on fire, including the anarchist ringleader (known as ‘Six fingers’) and people were burnt alive.
Effect of Casa Viejas was serious hatred and discredit to Azana’s government in late 1933. The working class, who were originally in large support of the Republic now became bitter. The right saw opportunity to campaign against such actions and bring together right-wing forces into one group for the next election.
In Autum 1933 the Socialists abandoned their policy of co-operation with Republicans and president Zamora dismissed the government.
Fresh elections were called in for November 1933.
by
taradeinhotmailcouk (student)
