Call Franco (Issue 8): Spanish Civil War Analysis
Call Franco (Issue 8 [Spanish Civil War])
Type of Text:
This text is a political-social commentary dated July 18, 1936, making it a primary source. It is titled “Call Franco” and justifies Franco’s uprising (coup) and his ability to gather support during the Spanish crisis.
Purpose:
The purpose of this piece was to appeal for peace, fellowship, and justice for Spain under Franco’s rule.
Background:
Contextualization:
Post-Second Republic Era:
- 1931 Elections: Elections were held to determine the future of the monarchy.
- Republican Constitution: The establishment of the Republic led to the loss of political power for the monarchy. The 1931 Constitution introduced new reforms.
- Reformist Biennium (Left): Azaña’s government implemented social and agrarian reforms, particularly in areas affected by land ownership issues.
- Two Black Years (Right): Several factors led to the downfall of the left-wing government. Elections resulted in the victory of the Radical Party. Alejandro Lerroux formed a government, and this period was marked by a right-wing backlash.
- Popular Front: The Radical Party was involved in a scandal, leading to the end of the right-wing biennium. Azaña’s policies targeted Spanish and French interests, and a military coup was planned against the Republic.
Coup of 1936:
The coup was meticulously planned. The military strategy involved simultaneous uprisings in all military garrisons. The coup had the support of right-wing political forces and European countries. The uprising began in Morocco in 1936, marking the start of the Civil War.
Civil War Causes:
Social:
The Republic’s attempts at modernization and democratization led to social confrontation. Land reform was opposed by the oligarchy, and reforms to improve working conditions were met with resistance from business organizations.
Religious:
Azaña’s reforms aimed to limit the Church’s influence (separation of church and state), which resulted in opposition from the Church hierarchy.
Military:
Military reforms were poorly received by the Africanist military sector.
Political:
The statutes of autonomy faced opposition from the Spanish right and centralists, as well as the army.
Ideological:
The existence of fascist regimes and the emergence of popular fronts played a role.
Two Sides:
a) Rebel Faction:
Inspired by fascism, they adopted its methods and received support from conservative military, landowners, right-wing party members, traditionalists, and Catholics. This faction had a well-organized and disciplined army and received international support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
b) Republican Side:
They were supported by the working and middle classes and received international aid from the USSR and the International Brigades.
Military Operations of the War:
Struggle for Madrid:
In 1936, the National Defense Board appointed Franco as Generalissimo. The plan was to capture Madrid, but they faced strong resistance.
Northern Front:
Military operations shifted to the north of Madrid, prolonging the war along the Cantabrian coast and resulting in the destruction of Guernica.
Eastern Front:
To prevent another attack, the Republican army captured Teruel in 1938. Franco’s victory in the Battle of the Ebro opened the way to Catalonia, leading to thousands of people going into exile. After the final offensive in Madrid, the war ended in 1939.
Consequences of the Civil War:
Population:
Many died from fighting and bombings. Repression also led to 150,000 executions on both the Republican and rebel sides.
Governance:
The main outcome was a military dictatorship under General Franco. 100,000 Spaniards were sent to prisons and concentration camps.
Economics:
The 1940s were years of famine. The war had destroyed economic resources and infrastructure. The cost of living increased tenfold, and there was an economic stalemate. Spain could not benefit from American aid due to the political isolation caused by the dictatorship.