Revolution of 1934

Quick Facts: Who was Revolution of 1934?

Subject:

Revolution of 1934

Known for:

A major revolutionary uprising in Spain during the Second Republic, triggered by political shifts.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Revolution of 1934 (Spanish: Revolución de 1934), also known as the Revolution of October 1934 or the Revolutionary General Strike of 1934, was an uprising during the "black biennium" of the Second Spanish Republic between 5 and 19 October 1934. The Revolution of 1934 was triggered by anxiety of the Spanish political left after the 1933 general election and entry of the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA) into the Spanish government in September 1934. Most of the events occurred in Catalonia and Asturias, and were supported by many Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and General Union of Workers (UGT) members, notably Largo Caballero, as well as members of the National Confederation of Workers (CNT). The uprisings were repressed by Spanish government forces and defeated within two weeks. At least 2,000 people were killed during the Revolution of 1934 in the initial uprisings and their suppression.

Career & Major Achievements

Historians have argued that the revolution increased antagonism between the political right and left, and was one of the causes for the later Spanish Civil War. The Second Spanish Republic was established in 1931 amidst growing political instability and radicalization in Spain. The inaugural 1931 general election saw a landslide victory for the republican, the centrist, and the socialist parties. The Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and the Radical Republican Party (PRR), a socialist and a revolutionary party, respectively, the parties with the most votes, formed a "Radical-Socialist" government. The new Spanish Constitution of 1931 and government were both overtly left-wing in nature.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This was welcomed by Spain's poor with enthusiasm, hoping that it would finally lead to reforms and an improvement in their living conditions after decades of stagnation. Many laws were soon passed to reduce poverty and improve labor rights. However, over the next two years, tensions between the PSOE and PRR caused the Radical-Socialist government to collapse and trigger a general election. The 1933 general election resulted in a centre-right majority: the Spanish right saw large gains while the left saw large reduction of their vote share. The centrists, although their share was reduced, held enough votes to remain in power.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1931: 1931 Milestone — The Second Spanish Republic was established in 1931 amidst growing political instability and radicalization in Spain.
2. 1933: 1933 Milestone — The 1933 general election resulted in a centre-right majority: the Spanish right saw large gains while the left saw large reduction of their vote share.
3. 1934: 1934 Milestone — The Revolution of 1934 (Spanish: Revolución de 1934), also known as the Revolution of October 1934 or the Revolutionary General Strike of 1934, was an uprising during the "black biennium" of the Second Spanish Republic between 5 and 19 October 1934.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Revolution of 1934

True or False: “The primary catalyst for the Revolution of 1934 was the left's opposition to CEDA entering the government, which is true.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The entry of the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA) into the government in September 1934 caused significant anxiety among the political left.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdullah Ibrahim — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Pianist and composer, considered the leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz.
• Abimael Guzmán — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Peruvian Maoist revolutionary leader, founder of the Shining Path.
• 13th Dalai Lama — Historical peer (Died in 1933) (1933): Spiritual leader of Tibet who championed national independence and modernization.
• Abolhassan Banisadr — Historical peer (Born in 1933) (1933): Iranian politician who served as the first president following the Islamic Revolution.
• A. P. J. Abdul Kalam — Historical peer (Born in 1931) (1931): Visionary aerospace engineer, scientist, and former President of India.
• Adolfo Pérez Esquivel — Historical peer (Born in 1931) (1931): Argentine activist and Nobel Peace laureate for human rights defense.

Frequently Asked Questions about Revolution of 1934