Spanish Civil War Timeline

Primo de Rivera

Jan 1, 1931

The dictatorship of Primo de Rivera failed to solve the underlying problems, and he was replaced by a republic in 1931.

Niceto Alcalá Zamora

Apr 14, 1931

Niceto Alcalá Zamora assumes the presidency of the provisional government. He is a moderate

Spanish Second Republic

Apr 14, 1931

Establishment of the Second Republic.

Elections

Apr 14, 1931

Left-wing election victories; Manuel Azaña becomes prime minister at the head of a reforming government. Liberal reforms and “La Sanjurjada”

Spanish Constitution

Dec 9, 1931

The Spanish Constitution of 1931 was approved on December 9 by the Constituent Cortes, after the Spanish general elections of 1931 that followed the proclamation of the Second Republic.

Bienio Reformista

1932

The period of Manuel Azaña and the Azañista period known as the Reformist Biennium begins.

Federación Nacional de Trabajadores de la Tierra (FNTT)

1932

There was a considerable rise in membership of the socialist-led peasant workers’ union, the Federación Nacional de Trabajadores de la Tierra

Confederación Española de Derechos Autónomos (CEDA)

Mar 4, 1933

Formation of CEDA (mass Catholic right-wing party).

Falange

Oct 29, 1933

José Antonio Primo de Rivera established the Falange Española, a far-right nationalist political group committed to overthrowing the Republican government.

Bienio Conservador

Nov 19, 1933

The victory of a right-wing coalition after the 1933 elections led to Alejandro Lerroux’s rule, which marked the beginning of the Conservative Biennium.

October Revolution

Oct 5, 1934

Right-wing government takes office; revolt of Asturias. Coup d'état in Asturias carried out by PSOE and UGT.

Tensions Rise throughout Europe

1935

Germany's militarization of the Rhineland. Stresa Front agreement. Spain state of affairs remains the same.

Popular Front

Feb 16, 1936

The Popular Front, a broad left-wing coalition headed by Manuel Azaña, wins the majority of seats in the Spanish Cortes (parliament).

Jose Calvo Sotelo

May 13, 1936

Assassination of right-wing leader José Calvo Sotelor was the trigger for the war. Sotelo had been in exile from 1931–34, but had returned to become a leading right-wing figure associated with the Spanish fascists (the Falange)

Declaration of war

May 17, 1936

General Francisco Franco declares a state of war. Assassination of left wing leader Jose del Castillo. Assassination of right wing Jose Calvo Sotelo.