Second Spanish Republic

Republique-allegorie

José_Calvo_Sotelo

Arrested_workers_during_the_Asturian_Revolution,_1934

Column_of_Guardias_Civiles_during_the_1934_Asturian_Revolution,_Brañosera

Frente-popular

José_Sanjurjo_Sacanell

Period of Spanish history from 1931 to 1939

The Second Spanish Republic ( ) was the democratic government that existed in Spain from 1931 to 1939. It was proclaimed on 14 April 1931, after the abdication of King Alfonso XIII, and lasted until 1 April 1939, when the last of the Republican forces surrendered to the Nationalists led by Francisco Franco, marking the end of the Spanish Civil War.

History

Establishment

The Second Spanish Republic was established following the municipal elections of 12 April 1931, which were seen as a plebiscite on the monarchy of Alfonso XIII. The elections resulted in a significant victory for the Republican and Socialist candidates in urban areas, leading to the king's abdication and the proclamation of the Republic on 14 April 1931.

Constitution of 1931

The new government drafted a progressive constitution, which was approved in December 1931. The Spanish Constitution of 1931 established a secular state, expanded civil liberties, and introduced women's suffrage. It also aimed to reduce the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in public life and education.

Political Turmoil

The Republic faced significant political instability, with frequent changes in government and a polarized political landscape. The period saw the rise of various political factions, including the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, the CNT, and the Falange Española. The political tension culminated in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), a conflict between the Republican government and the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco.

Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War began on 17 July 1936, following a military coup against the Republican government. The war was marked by significant international involvement, with the Soviet Union and International Brigades supporting the Republicans, while Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy aided the Nationalists. The conflict resulted in a Nationalist victory, leading to the establishment of Francoist Spain and the end of the Second Spanish Republic.

Legacy

The Second Spanish Republic is remembered for its attempts at progressive reforms and its role in the Spanish Civil War. It remains a significant period in Spanish history, symbolizing both the potential for democratic governance and the deep divisions within Spanish society.

Related Pages

• Spanish Civil War
• Francoist Spain
• Niceto Alcalá-Zamora
• Manuel Azaña
• Spanish Constitution of 1931
• Alfonso XIII of Spain
• International Brigades

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