Unrest 1932-33

• The biggest threat occurred in the winter of 1932-33, culminating in an anarchist uprising in Barcelona in January 1933. This was caused by issues in the countryside. Thousands of agricultural workers had not been paid by landowners and the government hadn't acted in response. This led to a general strike in Salamanca in December 1932. After 10 days, it was broken by government forces.
• Casas Viejas (January 1933):

  The agricultural workers in Casas Viejas were some of the poorest in Spain, living in mud huts. They began a peaceful protest, appealing to the Civil Guard and the landowners to co-operate with them and end poverty. However, the Civil Guard opened fire on the unarmed protesters and burned their huts, putting down the revolt with brutal violence.
• Even though the government hadn't ordered the violence of Casas Viejas, they were blamed for the brutality. The anarchists believed Azana was ruling the country only in the interests of the middle classes. They accused him of ignoring the demands of the masses of working people. Therefore, the left lost faith in the government.