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Catholic Church
The Catholic Church had complete control over education in Concordat between Spain and Rome. -
Period: to
Spanish History - pre Civil War
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Overstaffed Army
After the loss of Cuba (last remnant of Spanish Empire), the army became overstaffed and overpowerful. -
Bloodshed in 'Tragic Week'
The army fired on protestors who protested about the problems of poverty for the peasants and the working class. -
Spanish Monarchy
Spain is a constitutional monarchy led by King Alfonso XIII. Spain had a corrupt government and Catalonia and Basque regions wanted independence. -
Spanish Army Massacred
The Spanish army tried putting down a rebellion but it was massacred to Morocco. This was a further blow to Spanish pride. -
General Primo de Rivera
General Primo de Rivera took control of Spain to prevent the collapse of the monarchy. He ruled until 1930. -
Rivera's Reign
1924-1929
Rivera ended the war in Morocco and introduced public works schemes such as roads, railways and irrigation. Industrial production increased and Rivera suspended Parliament. -
The Depression
1929-32
The Depression hit Spain hard. Agricultural prices diminished. Industrial production decreased by 50%. Unemployment rates increased. -
Resignation of Rivera
The Army withdrew its support from Rivera. Rivera resigned. -
Reforms
1931-33
Regions: Catalonia has a self-government.
Church: Jesuits expelled.
Religious Education in schools banned.
Divorce allowed.
Army: Officers were made to retire early on half pay.
Economy: Huge estates in Spain were nationalised. (From private to state) -
The Falange Party
1931-33
The reforms angered the most powerful elements of society which are the military, industrialistsm landowners and the Catholic Church. They asked Fascists for help against the Left Wing Republicans. This formed the Spanish Fascist party known as the Falange under Primo's son, Jose Antonio de Rivera. -
Spanish Republic
Elections were held. Republicans won all major Spanish cities. Alfonso resigned to avoid civil war. Spain became a Republic. -
Left and Right Wings
The government split into two parts. The Left-Wing Republicans wanted rapid social improvements to appeal to working classes. The Right Wing Republicans wanted more moderate change to reduce opposition of Church, landowners and military. -
Unsuccessful Overthrow of Azana Gov.
General Sanjuro led an army coup to pverthrow the government led by Manuel Azana who is the Prime Minister. This was unsuccessful since the army was loyal to the government. -
Offenses of Republic
The Republic offended the Right. The political party (CEDA) was formed to protect the Roman Catholic Church and landlords' interests. The Republic offended the Left. Anarchists and syndicates (powerful trade union groups) felt that Azana's government was too moderate. Both wanted to overthrow capitalism. -
Gov. - loss of support
Organised strikes and riots were an effort to destabilise Azana's government. 25 people were killed by government troops attempting to catch anarchists near Cadiz. Because of this, the government loss the support of the working class and socialists. -
New Government
Azana resigned. Elections were called. The CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right) won majority support. This is the formed government led by Gil Robles. They withdrew the reforms of the Azana government. The Left Wing parties combined to form the Popular Front to organise strikes, riots and vandalisms. -
Failed Strike
Asturias's coal miners strike failed due to General Franco's army. The Catalans' privileges were withdrawn. They turned against the government. -
Second Spanish Republic
A general election was held to restore order. The Left Wing Popular Front coalition won with Azana as the Prime Minister again. The Right Wing formed the National Front coalition. Socialists withdrew their support for the Popular Front as a protest for its moderation. -
Right Wing Politicians
Sotelo, the leading Right Wing politician was murdered. Right Wing politicians argued about the serious danger of communist takeover and they favoured the idea of military dictatorship. -
Start of Civil War
General Franco assumed control of military. He seized control of Spanish Morocco and crossed over into mainland Spain to take over the government.The Civil War began.
