Basque Country War: Key Battles, Tactics, and Aftermath
War in the Basque Country
The War in the Basque Country was a short conflict, lasting eleven months, from July 18, 1936, to July 2 of the following year. General Mola initiated the war on July 18 in Navarre. The Carlist Requetés quickly helped control the territory. The Bank was the only examination center where staff remained. The conflict extended north of Pamplona towards Gipuzkoa.
Gipuzkoa War
The committees and the Board of Public Defense led war parties and movements at the front. There was no unified command, and strong conflicts arose, especially between nationalists and anarchists.
Characteristics
The Republican side had a great organization but lacked well-trained soldiers, which hindered their ability to combat the Requetés.
Technique
Fighting in trenches was dominant, and the mountainous terrain was ideal for this purpose.
Finish
House-to-house fighting occurred in San Sebastian. Anarchists and nationalists defended the city, but ultimately could not hold it. On September 13, Navarre and Guipuzcoa fell to the Nationalists. Irun was attacked by rebels to cut off the border road. The conflict then moved west towards Biscay.
War of Biscay
The second phase began with the approval of the Statute of Autonomy. The government now led the war. Simultaneously, police found themselves in a difficult situation.
Tactics
Initially, the goal was to relieve pressure on Madrid. All border forces were gathered. During this period, the Army of the Basque Government was formed. Bilbao launched a counterattack and had fortified protection in Alava. Republican control provided little support.
Resources
After the rebel defeat in Madrid, a hard war began in spring 1937. The rebels used more troops and material resources, including the German Condor Legion and an Italian brigade, totaling 40,000-60,000 soldiers, 200 artillery pieces, 100 aircraft, and 40,000 soldiers. Basque troops had 100 artillery pieces and two aircraft, with good equipment but poor mobility.
Technique
A new technique was employed: foot soldiers advanced after aircraft and artillery bombarded the areas to be taken. Cities were bombed, causing mass civilian casualties in Durango and Gernika, to terrorize the enemy. The Nationalists captured Bilbao on June 19.
Santoña Treaty
After the fall of Bilbao, the nationalist battalion surrendered to the Italians by signing this agreement. No material was destroyed, and Basque nationalists sought vessels at sea. However, Franco did not respect the treaty, and most were imprisoned.
What Fueled the War
- Social and Economic Imbalances: Farmers and workers were in constant rebellion, expressing their complaints and discontent.
- Religious Conflicts: Spain was divided between traditional religious views and growing anti-clerical sentiments. The Republic protected the latter.
Conclusions
The war ended without a desire for peace. The victory of Franco led to the destruction of Republican legislation, organizations, and self-government. Those suspected of helping the Republic were imprisoned, killed, or sent to concentration camps. The Castilian language was imposed, and other languages were banned. Franco punished the Basque provinces of Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa by removing them from the economic concert. The war led to a revolution but did not change the social structure. Social control by the church, troops, and aristocracy became permanent. The public could not address serious economic problems or implement planning.