Discuss the reasons for political polarization in Spain between 1931 and 1936.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons why the political consensus of 1931 had been destroyed by 1936. Reasons could include ideology, the impact of specific policies, deep social divisions and various groups protecting their own interests. Some may argue that the underlying problem was social and economic disparity in Spanish society and that these were exacerbated by the policies of Azana. These policies included land reform, the reduction of Church influence, army reform and the Catalan Statute. There may also be reference to the CEDA (Catholic right party) dominated governments of 1933 to 1935. The crushing of the Asturian Rising and the Biennio Negro increased these divisions. The presence of extreme groups on the right (the Monarchists and Falange) and on the left (the anarchists/CNT and the Spanish socialist party) also contributed to political polarization. The violence associated with politics reduced the possibility of dialogue and compromise.