Causes and Development of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Causes of the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) stemmed from deep-seated political, social, and economic tensions within Spain. Several key factors contributed to the outbreak of the conflict:
- Political Instability: The liberal revolutions of the 19th century in Spain led to a series of violent confrontations. The army frequently intervened through pronunciamientos (military coups), and the population suffered from the distortions of the political system by caciques (local political bosses).
- Shifting Military Allegiance: The army’s mentality shifted towards a more conservative stance.
- Rise of Regional Nationalism: Basque and Catalan nationalist movements emerged as significant forces.
- Resistance to Modernization: Conservative forces opposed social modernization, leading to increased social tension, particularly in rural areas.
- Ideological Influences: The dominant ideologies of the time, including Communism, Nazism, and Fascism, further polarized Spanish society.
- Economic and Social Crisis: The economic depression of the 1930s exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities.
The political alternatives were:
- Democratic reformism, which promoted universal suffrage, improved labor relations, and public education.
- Fascist nationalism, characterized by aggressive reactions, anti-liberalism, and the cult of a leader (caudillo).
- Communist reactions, modeled after the USSR.
No single group was able to lead the necessary social transformations.
Development of the War
Prelude to War (Spring 1936)
The spring of 1936 witnessed a significant deterioration of public order, contributing to the radicalization of socialist ideals.
Governments of the Popular Front
Niceto Alcalá-Zamora’s grandson tasked Manuel Azaña with forming a government. Azaña’s Popular Front government implemented its program, which included:
- Continuing educational reform.
- Land reform.
- Amnesty for political prisoners.
- Restoration of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan autonomous government).
However, the government was unable to prevent public disorder, including violence in the countryside, attacks on religious buildings, and political assassinations, such as that of the monarchist leader, José Calvo Sotelo.
Social and Political Radicalization
This period was extremely conflictive. The right-wing saw an increase in support for the Falange (a fascist party) and the Carlists (traditionalist monarchists) formed paramilitary units. The left-wing (PSOE, CNT) became increasingly radicalized. The situation was not inevitably leading to war, but the general radicalization in Europe during the 1930s was a significant factor.
The Military Conspiracy
The Republican government was aware of conspiracies against the regime. Less important generals loyal to the Republic were sent to remote captaincies. General Emilio Mola prepared the initial coup, planning to use extreme violence if necessary to succeed quickly. The military conspiracy was initially framed with connections to important landowners.
Responses to the Military Insurrection
The military uprising began in Melilla on July 17, 1936. Franco flew to Morocco, and the military commander loyal to the Republic in Melilla was shot. This pattern was repeated against Republican loyalists. On the night of July 18-19, a state of war was declared by General Mola and others.
The insurrection did not succeed everywhere. Spain was divided. In Andalusia, the insurrection began in Cadiz and Seville. Huelva joined the insurrection after the subjugation of Rio Tinto. Andalusia was divided into two zones of influence.
In areas loyal to the Republic, numerous provincial committees were created. The government had licensed all soldiers performing military service, which meant that the Republican war effort was initially undertaken by popular militias. In insurgent areas, rebel generals were replaced by mayors. The population was violently divided, unable to decide their ideological affiliation.