The Spanish General Election of 1936 was a pivotal event in the history of Spain, held on February 16, 1936. This election was critical as it was the last general election before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. Here are some key points about this election:
- Political Climate: Spain was deeply polarized between the political left, comprising socialists, communists, anarchists, and republicans, and the right, which included monarchists, fascists, and traditionalists. This polarization had been exacerbated by the instability following the Second Spanish Republic since its establishment in 1931.
- Parties Involved: The main left-wing coalition was the Popular Front, which included the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, the Communist Party of Spain, and various republican parties. On the right, there was the Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas (CEDA), and other conservative and monarchist groups.
- Outcome: The Popular Front won a narrow victory with 4,700,000 votes against 4,500,000 for the right-wing parties, securing 263 seats compared to 156 for the right and 54 for the center. The result was seen as a victory for the left, but the margin was close, reflecting the deep divisions in Spanish society.
- Controversy and Fraud Allegations: There were numerous allegations of electoral fraud from both sides. The right claimed that the election was manipulated by the left, while the left accused the right of intimidation and violence during the voting process. The Ministerio de Gobernación (Ministry of the Interior) was accused of facilitating the Popular Front's victory through various means.
- Consequences: The victory of the Popular Front intensified political tensions. The government's inability to control violence and unrest led to a series of events that culminated in the military uprising in July 1936, marking the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. The election results were seen by some as a mandate to push for radical reforms, which further alarmed the conservative and military factions.
- Historical Context: This election took place against the backdrop of economic hardship, land reform issues, and the growing influence of extremist political groups on both sides. The results were interpreted by many as a rejection of the conservative policies of the previous years.
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