Reform of the army

• • 1923-1931 the army supported a highly undemocratic and repressive government
  • republicans believed the army leaders were fundamentally opposed to democracy
  • it was essential to cut the size and status of the army in order to protect democracy
• • Azana took the army reforms seriously - it was crucial
  • he believed the army was too big, too powerful and too inefficient for Spain's needs - the army was incapable of protecting Spain from a powerful foreign country
  • Army was largely involved in Spain's politics
• Azanas' policies:

  • officers were required to take an oath of loyalty to the republic. - hoped it would persuade many of the officers to refrain from opposing.
  • Early retirement on full pay - taken up by 8,000.
  • officers involved in criminal activities between 1923-30 were trialed and arrested - purged conservative officers from the army
  • Review of Promotions: gave the power to revoke promotions awarded by Primo De Rivera - 500 were investigated
• Azanas' policies:

  • reduced the size of army and cut military's budget by:
  • reducing military service to one year
  • closing the military school at Saragossa