Spanish History: From Dictatorship to Democracy

Political Climate in 1930s Spain

• King Alfonso XIII and General Miguel Primo de Rivera were in charge.
  • Rivera was unpopular, cracking down on democrats and alienating the army.
  • Resigned in January 1930, replaced by General de Maso Berenguer.
  • Berenguer continued the dictatorship, termed "dicta blanda" (soft dictatorship).

Transition to the Second Spanish Republic

• Increasing opposition led to uprisings; Berenguer replaced by Admiral Juan Batista Aznar in 1931.
• Local elections led to Republicans declaring Spain a democratic republic.
• Niceto Alcalá-Zamora led new provisional government, began reforms.
• June 1931: Elections for a constitutional Cortes.
• New constitution: Freedom of speech/assembly, church-state separation, church finances controlled by government.

Reform and Resistance

• Alcalá-Zamora resigned as Prime Minister in October 1931.
• Manuel Azaña became PM, pushed major reforms: Women's suffrage (1933), land redistribution, local autonomy, military reduction.
• Social unrest and revolts led to elections in 1933.
• Alejandro Lerroux replaced Azaña, reversed reforms, faced socialist uprisings like Asturian miners' strike.

Rise of the Popular Front and Civil War

• Formation of Popular Front in 1936; won the elections.
• Azaña ousted Alcalá-Zamora as president.
• Civil unrest between left/right-wing groups; notable right-wing group Falange led by José Antonio (arrested).

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

• Military coup led by General Mola, supported by Francisco Franco.
• Nationalists (rebels) vs Republicans (government); foreign aid for both sides.
  • Nationalists: Portugal, Italy, Germany.
  • Republicans: Soviet Union, Mexico, unofficially France.
• Key events: Bombing of Guernica in April 1937.
• Nationalists captured Catalonia and Barcelona by early 1939.
• Republican leadership fled; Franco declared victory on April 1, 1939.

Franco's Rule and WWII

• Franco established a one-party state, often described as fascist, but unique.
• Franco kept Spain out of WWII.

Post-War Spain and Economic Policy

• Spain isolated internationally due to autarky (self-sufficiency policy).
• 1950s economic reforms attracted foreign investment, opened up Spain.

Decolonization and Internal Changes

• Independence movements: Morocco (1956), Spanish territories ceded.
• 1960s economic boom, tourism growth, political relaxation.
• Territorial disputes, e.g., Gibraltar.

Transition to Democracy (1975 Onwards)

• Prince Juan Carlos appointed successor.
• Franco died in 1975, Juan Carlos became King.
• Adolfo Suárez appointed as Prime Minister.
• Democratic transition initiated: Political party bans lifted, 1977 elections held.
• New constitution in 1978: Civil liberties, regional autonomy.
• Spain successfully transitioned to democracy, joining the international community.

Key Takeaways

• Spain transitioned from a dictatorship under Franco to a democracy.
• Juan Carlos I and Adolfo Suárez played crucial roles in the peaceful transition.
• Spain's history reflects shifts in political ideology and international relations.