The Second Spanish Republic's economy was mostly agrarian, focusing on the producing, consuming, and selling of agricultural goods. These goods included: wheat, olives, grapes, fruits, corn, and vegetables. From there, bread, oils, and wines– Spain’s main exports– were made. But, the agriculture struggled during Spring and Summer of most of the 1930s, where Spain experienced major droughts. Historians remember this period of Spain as one of a “backward nation,” since it was made present by large economic inequality. This was most noticeable in the south, like Granada, where a majority of citizens relied on agriculture, but only a certain few had land ownership. Although many fought for land reform and improved labor conditions, the rich few were victorious, particularly thanks to the divide of beliefs of the topic in the government.

 

At the same time, the Spanish Republic suffered economic hardships because of poor planning. While their main products (agriculture) were in the south, the major industries and equipment were located in the Basque region (north of Spain), making it difficult and very expensive to transport the resources through the mountainous Spanish land. Compounding economic woes was Spain's low export rate and heavily domestic manufacturing industry. 

 

High levels of poverty, limited resources, and high percentage of land unused left many Spaniards open to extremist political parties in search of a solution. This, ultimately lead to the military (and its Nationalist movement) gaining support from the people and the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. This period of time did not immediately help the Rural Spain and its suffering, as it obligated both sides to distribute more budget to military arms rather than agriculture and its basic supplies. For more information, read the pages linked at the button below.