Este

This is an episode of a history podcast discussing the Constitution of 1931 in Spain. The municipal elections of 1931 were a choice between monarchy and republicanism, with the republic winning in cities and industrial areas. Alfonso III went into exile, leading to protests and the proclamation of the Second Republic. A provisional government was formed, and elections to the constituent courts were held. The new constitution included democratic and progressive reforms, such as granting women the right to vote and establishing autonomous regional governments. It also separated powers and recognized individual rights. The podcast also mentions the artwork "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso, which is tied to this period in Spanish history. Welcome, dear listeners, to another episode of Throughout the Pages of History. Today, we embark on a fascinating exploration of the Constitution of 1931 in Spain, and travel in its chronology, political ideology, and the profound impact it left on Spanish society. I'm your host, Maria Elie, and I'm joined by my estimated co-host, Yara Lurellá, and María Fernández. Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here, diving into this pivotal period of Spanish history. Absolutely. The events surrounding the Constitution of 1931 shaped the nation in profound ways, and I'm excited to delve into the details. Listeners, first I will take us back to April 12th of 1931, a critical moment where municipal elections became a battleground between monarchy and republicanism. Girls, could you shed some light on the political climate and the force it had played during that time? Of course, certainly. The municipal elections of 1931 were essentially a choice between those supporting the monarchical regime and those advocating for a republic. However, the opposition, including republicans, socialists, and left-wing nationalists, formed a coalition known as the Pact of San Sebastián in 1930. Although the monarchy parties were divided, there were more consulars in the elections. The republic's victory in cities and industrial areas reflected a strong desire for political change. Faced with this situation, Alfonso III suspended royal authority and went into exile. This led to massive protests where thousands of citizens took to the streets of Spain and the Second Republic was proclaimed on 14 April 1931. Thank you for that overview. Now, let's continue with the subsequent events, particularly the formation of the provisional government and the elections to the constituent courts. Certainly, following the proclamation of the Second Republic, a provisional government was formed with Niceto Alcala Zamora as the prime minister. Elections to the constituent courts were called and they took place in June. Republican parties emerged victorious with a significant majority. The new government included members of left-wing and nationalist parties. President Manuel Azaña promoted the drafting and approval of a new constitution, which entered into force in December 1931. Now, let's explore the basic principles and main ideas that made the constitution of 1931 a shock to Spanish society. Exactly. As you said, this constitution was a shock to Spanish society because of its incredible democratic and progressive reforms. So, it was rejected by conservatives because of its challenge towards traditions relating to religious and regional issues. In fact, its articles included many reforms that Spain had never seen before, such as Spain being defined as an integral state with the possibility of establishing autonomous regional governments. An notable change was the separation of powers, disrupting the conventional practice of consolidating all three powers in a single entity. That's right. There was a separation of powers instead of having someone holding the three of them. Legislative power found its home in the courts, while executive power was decentralized, residing in the Consejo de Ministros and the Prime Minister. The juridical power had an independence and the Constitutional Court was created. This was a time of incredible progress. In fact, for the first time, females were granted the right to vote, marking a monumental shift towards inclusivity. The Constitution championed universal suffrage for both men and women, breaking down long-standing barriers. The Constitution's impact extended beyond political realms. It declared Spain a non-conventional state in which each person could profess the religion they desired. Civil marriage and divorce were also established and legalized for the first time. It recognized individual rights. The Constitution established extensive public and personal freedoms. Equality before the law in education and in work became foundation principles. Private property were recognized, although the government retained the power to expropriate when the public's interest was demanded. Isn't that crazy? Now let's explore a work of art tied to this transformative period in Spanish history. Guernica, created by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso.