Spanish Civil War 1936-1939: Causes and International Impact
The Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The climate of social confrontation and the Popular Front’s political actions provided a pretext to justify a military uprising. This uprising aimed to prevent the consolidation of the left’s electoral victory in the 1936 elections.
The Military Uprising and Initial Successes
On July 17th, 1936, in Melilla, Colonel Yagüe rose up in arms against the Republic, initiating the insurrection (National Uprising). Between July 18th and 19th, most military garrisons in the rest of Spain joined the coup. On July 19th, Casares Quiroga was replaced as head of government by José Giral, who decided to deliver arms to the Popular Front parties. The insurrection triumphed throughout the peninsular interior. However, it failed wherever leftist and worker forces had a stronger presence.
The Failure of the Insurrection in Catalonia
General Goded was tasked with leading the military coup in Catalonia, where there was scant civilian support. On July 18th and 19th, the mobilization of leftist parties and unions played a crucial role in defeating the rebellion. Goded surrendered, and insurgent forces were defeated in other Catalan cities. This victory was celebrated as a great popular success.
Consolidation of the Opposing Sides
The military rebels were supported by the upper classes and more conservative sectors who opposed the reforms of the Republican groups, including Falangists. Those loyal to the Republic consisted of the popular classes: urban workers, landless peasants, and the petty bourgeoisie. Those on the right were derisively called “reds.” The Republicans were also joined by the middle classes and sectors of the enlightened bourgeoisie who defended Republican legitimacy.
Internationalization of the Civil War
From the outset, the Spanish Civil War had a significant international impact. The outbreak of war in Spain was seen as a confrontation between democratic forces and the expanding fascist regimes. The war divided and impassioned leaders, the media, public opinion, and intellectuals worldwide.
Fascist governments sent aid to the rebels, while the USSR supported the Republic. European democracies, however, maintained an ambiguous position, fearing that the conflict would spread throughout Europe. The Republic requested political and military support from France, but Britain, advocating a policy of containment against Nazi Germany, informed France that it would not support French intervention in Spain.
France, therefore, initiated the creation of a Committee of Non-Intervention. The stated purpose of this committee was to prevent both sides from receiving foreign aid.
Foreign Aid
- Germany: Sent its air force, the Condor Legion, and used the Spanish Civil War as a testing ground for new weapons.
- Italy: Sent a large unit, the Corpo Truppe Volontarie.
- Soviet Union: Largo Caballero’s government decided to send aid in October 1936. Soviet military advisers exerted their influence through the Communist Party (PCE).
- International Brigades: The Republicans also received support from volunteer troops of the International Brigades.