THE PROCLAMATION OF THE SECOND SPANISH REPUBLIC

The proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic marked a significant historical milestone that radically transformed the country’s political course. This event, which took place on April 14, 1931, occurred in a context where just five years earlier, the Spanish people were expressing loyalty to the monarchy with shouts of ‘¡Viva el rey!’ -‘Long live the King!’-

At the beginning of the 20th century, Spain experienced a series of political, social, and economic crises that weakened the stability of the monarchical regime. Alfonso XIII’s monarchy was in a precarious situation, and Spanish society was divided among various political factions and social classes. Inequality, corruption, and political tensions exacerbated by World War I led to widespread discontent.

On April 12, 1931, Republican parties in Spain achieved victory in the local elections, signaling a shift in the country’s political landscape. The republicans capitalized on widespread public discontent with the monarchy, exploiting social, economic, and political tensions. The election results prompted King Alfonso XIII to leave Spain, choosing exile over potential conflict. As a fresult of it, the king departed Spain via Cartagena harbor.

The festive and celebratory atmosphere preceding the proclamation of the Republic starkly contrasted with the loyalty expressed towards the monarchy a few years earlier. The streets of major Spanish cities were filled with enthusiastic citizens seeking a change in the form of government. The population was infused with a sense of hope and a desire for social justice, elements that would become the pillars of the Second Republic.

One of the most prominent aspects of this event was the apparent passivity of the Police and the Army in the face of the event. Unlike other power transitions that might have been marked by violence and repression, the proclamation of the Second Republic was characterized by a surprising absence of military or police resistance. This symbolized the exhaustion of support for the monarchical regime among the armed forces and security forces, as well as their willingness to accept democratic change.

The new tricolor flag, composed of the colors red, yellow, and purple, was a key visual element in this historic moment. This flag became the symbol of the Republic and represented a break with monarchical symbols. Red symbolized the struggle for freedom, yellow represented the sun of the new era, and purple paid homage to previous anti-monarchical movements.

The popular enthusiasm was palpable, and people proudly waved the tricolor flag in the streets. Squares and avenues were filled with citizens expressing their joy and hope for a more just and democratic future. The proclamation of the Republic not only represented a political change but also a cultural and social change that sought to overcome divisions and build a more inclusive Spain.

The proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic on April 14, 1931, marked a crucial moment in the country’s history. The festive and celebratory atmosphere reflected the hope for a new beginning.

Finally, the famous Admiral Aznar’s quote: ‘What can you expect from a country that goes to bed monarchic and wakes up republican the next day?’ is a quite illustrative phrase of this historical process.

In the following video you can find a very interesting summary explaining the proclamaition of the Second Spanish Republic:

Activity 1:

Work in 3-4 student groups and find the solutions to the following answers. At the end of the activity, there will be a sharing of the responses:

• How did the people of Spain demonstrate their loyalty to King Alfonso XIII five years ago?
• What were the reactions of the people when the Republic was declared in Spain?
• What colors were associated with the flag of the newly formed Republic in Spain?
• How did the people celebrate the birth of the Republic and their newly won liberties?
• What was the general mood of the people during the revolution in Spain?
• How did the Army, Navy, and police react to the revolution in Spain?
• What challenges awaited Spain’s new rulers after the revolution?

Activity 2:

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