Spanish History: Transition from Monarchy to Democracy
Early 1930s: Political Tensions
- Leaders: King Alfonso XIII and Prime Minister/Dictator General Miguel Primo de Rivera.
- Unpopularity: Rivera was unpopular due to his crackdown on democratic opponents and alienation of the army.
- Resignation: Rivera resigned in January 1930, replaced by General Damaso Berenguer.
- Dictablanda: Berenguer's regime called the "soft dictatorship," continued opposition growth.
Rise of the Second Spanish Republic
- 1931 Elections: Admiral Juan Bautista Aznar replaces Berenguer, calls for local elections.
- Republic Declared: Republican opposition declares Spain a democratic republic after winning elections.
- Provisional Government: Led by Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, implements reforms.
The Spanish Constitution of 1931
- Reforms: Freedom of speech, separation of church and state, government controls church money.
- Controversy: Upset the Catholic population, leading to Alcalá-Zamora's resignation as PM.
- Elections: New Constitution leads to elections in 1933, expanding women's franchise.
Political Changes and Conflicts
- Prime Ministers: Manuel Azaña (left-wing Republican) implements major reforms.
- Land Reforms: Redistribution from rich to poor, local autonomy for Catalonia and Basque Country.
- Public Unrest: Azaña struggles with public order, resigns after 1933 elections.
1933 Elections and Right-Wing Reaction
- Alejandro Lerroux: Reverses many of Azaña's reforms, struggles with governance.
- Asturias Rising: Socialist general strike leads to Asturias uprising, crushed by army.
Popular Front and Civil War (1936-1939)
- Formation: Left-wing parties form Popular Front, win 1936 elections.
- Civil War: Begins with military coup, Nationalists (led by Francisco Franco) vs. Republicans.
- Foreign Involvement: Nationalists backed by Germany, Italy, and Portugal; Republicans by Soviet Union, Mexico.
Outcome of the Civil War
- Nationalist Victory: Franco announces end to Civil War on April 1, 1939.
- Franco's Rule: Spain becomes a one-party state, Franco suppresses dissent.
Spain under Franco
- Isolation: Post-WWII Spain isolates internationally due to neutrality.
- Economic Policies: Autarky fails, leading to economic reforms and foreign investment in the 1950s.
- Decolonization: Morocco gains independence, Spain relinquishes remaining territories.
Transition to Democracy
- Franco's Succession: Prince Juan Carlos named successor in 1969.
- Reforms: Juan Carlos initiates transition to democracy after Franco's death in 1975.
- Democratic Elections: 1977 elections allow opposition, new constitution in 1978.
Legacy
- Democratic Transition: Peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy.
- International Reintegration: Spain joins international community, democratic institutions strengthen.
These notes summarize the transition of Spain from a monarchy under King Alfonso XIII to a democratic republic after the Spanish Civil War, highlighting key political changes, reforms, and events leading up to and following Franco's dictatorship.