To what extent were economic conditions in Spain the main cause of the Civil War in 1936?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that economic conditions in Spain were the main cause of the war in 1936. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the lack of economic development; the asymmetrical nature of development and the north–south divide such as minifundios and latifundios; and the failure of the 1932 Agrarian Reform Act to effectively address the land question. Some candidates may argue that the poverty and inequality of the peasants and large rural populations were used by radical political organizations such as the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) or FAI (Federación Anarquista Ibérica) to gain support. Other relevant factors may be considered, for example events such as the Bienio Negro or the Asturian Uprising, and the fear of revolution, which mobilized right-wing parties such as CEDA (Confederatión Espanola de Derechas Autónomas) leading to political polarization. Others may also argue that causes were linked to the inability of Socialist-Republican leaders such as Azaña or Largo Caballero to effectively address political and economic grievances; or the failure of sections of the Right to accept the Second Republic. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the view that economic conditions in Spain were the main cause of the war in 1936. There were some good responses with understanding of the causes of the Civil War. Some candidates needed to have more detailed knowledge of the events between 1931 and 1936 and their role in causing the Civil War.