Political Dynamics and Aftermath of the Spanish Civil War

Posted on Apr 4, 2025 in History

Political Evolution During the Spanish Civil War

Political Dimension: Republican Side

Initially, José Giral of the Republican Left was named president. His government decided to provide arms to the civilian population, causing militants to take effective control of the streets. For a time, a revolution was underway on the Republican side. Two basic models clashed:

  • The CNT, FAI, and POUM favored collectivization of land and factories.
  • The PSOE and the PCE tried to restore order and centralize decision-making while respecting small and medium landholdings.

The PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) supported the Republic, despite its conservatism, because it ensured autonomy. In October 1936, the Parliament voted on the Basque Statute, and Aguirre was elected the first Lehendakari (President of the Basque Government).

In September 1936, Largo Caballero established a unity government with ministers from the PSOE, PCE, Republican Left, and Basque and Catalan nationalist groups. Four anarchist leaders were subsequently added. Caballero’s policy focused on:

  • Restoring the authority of the central government.
  • Unifying the army.
  • Securing foreign aid.

Internal tension between the different forces was continuous, reaching its turning point in the May Days in Barcelona (May 1937). The Government attempted to take control of the Telefónica building (on central government instructions), triggering an uprising that was controlled with government reinforcements. Following these events, Largo Caballero resigned.

He was succeeded by the Socialist Juan Negrín, who proposed resistance until the beginning of World War II, making the government increasingly dependent on the Communists. Azaña resigned as President of the Republic. Colonel Casado, favoring negotiation, led a coup against the Negrín government. Franco demanded unconditional surrender. On March 28, 1939, Franco’s troops entered Madrid, and on April 1, the war finished.

Political Dimension: Nationalist Side

After the death of General Sanjurjo, the Nationalist side was left without a clear leader, leading to the creation of the National Defense Council. The measures taken were drastic:

  • A state of war was declared throughout the territory.
  • All freedoms were suppressed.
  • All parties were dissolved except for the Falange and the Requetés (Carlists).

The Church and national propaganda justified the coup. Economic measures aimed at:

  • Cancelling Republican reforms.
  • State intervention in the economy, creating the National Wheat Service to control the population’s bread supply.

In October 1936, Franco was appointed Head of Government and Chief of Staff. Weeks later, Italy and Germany recognized his government. This established a personal dictatorship based on a military regime, supported by an advisory body formed by military officers.

In April 1937, Franco approved the Decree of Unification, merging Falangists and Carlists into the FET y de las JONS (Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional-Sindicalista). The National Movement became the single party, modeled on Italian Fascism and German National Socialism. Power (executive, legislative, and judicial) was concentrated in the figure of Franco.

Characteristics of the New Nationalist Regime

  • Censorship of the press.
  • Elimination of freedoms.
  • Establishment of national-syndicalist control over employers and workers.
  • Designation as “rebels” for all who opposed the National Movement.
  • Establishment of a religious state with state subsidies to the Church.
  • Abolition of divorce and civil marriage.
  • Education placed in the hands of the clergy.

Consequences of the Spanish Civil War

Demographic Consequences

  • An estimated five hundred thousand deaths.
  • Widespread starvation and epidemics.
  • A falling birth rate.
  • Mass exile of Republicans (including children sent to foreign countries).
  • A large rural exodus.
  • An overall exodus of the young, active, and most educated population.

Economic Consequences

  • National income per capita did not recover until the late 1950s.
  • Destruction of the country’s industrial fabric, leading to a primarily agrarian economy.
  • Increased external debt.
  • Loss of gold reserves.

Social Consequences

  • The landed, industrial, and financial oligarchy recovered its hegemony.
  • Workers lost their rights.

Moral Consequences

  • Several generations were deeply marked by the conflict.
  • Franco did not seek reconciliation among the Spanish people.
  • Widespread persecutions and repressions continued after the war.