Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Key Events and Outcomes
Civil War (1936-1939)
Military Operations
The Coup (July 18, 1936)
The coup was planned in spring 1936 by army officers, mainly in Africa. General Mola was the organizer, and Sanjurjo the charismatic leader. The aim was to seize the central government and expel the Popular Front. The plan relied on a faction of the military and support from right-wing parties (mainly CEDA and the Carlists). The coup was planned for a four-day victory.
Areas where the coup triumphed:
- Northwest Aragon, Navarre, Álava, Castile-Leon, and Galicia
- Southern Bética Andalusia
- Balearic and Canary Islands
- Spanish Protectorate of Morocco
Areas where the coup failed:
- Cantabrian Coast
- Mediterranean periphery: Catalonia to Penibética Andalusia
- Central area: Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura
In industrialized areas, leftist parties and trade unions had organized strong militias. Most of the army, navy, and aviation remained loyal to the republic in these areas.
The coup failed within four days due to strong resistance in major urban and industrial centers.
The “Cross-Strait” (Late July and Early August)
The coup’s critical situation was reversed by aid from Germany and Italy (20 “Junker” and 10 “Savoia” planes), creating an air bridge between Morocco and Andalusia, bypassing the Republican naval blockade. The Colonial Army (Legion and Regulars), around 40,000 soldiers under General Franco, became the vanguard of the “Nationalist” armies, turning the failed coup into a protracted civil war.
The Development of the Civil War
a) First Stage: “Objective Madrid” (1936)
The strategic goal was to conquer Madrid:
- Gain recognition from foreign powers as the legitimate government.
- Unite the two “Nationalist” armies (Mola’s Northern Army and Franco’s Colonial Army).
The offensive began in Andalusia and Extremadura, advancing towards Madrid from the west. It was halted at the gates of Madrid by the Republican army, composed of “mixed brigades” (militiamen and army officers) and “international brigades” (mostly European volunteers), with Soviet aid in tanks and aircraft.
The Nationalist army received aid from Germany (Condor Legion) and Italy (motorized troops), launching two failed offensives against Madrid: the Jarama Offensive (south) and the Guadalajara Offensive (east). The conquest of Madrid was abandoned.
b) Second Stage: “Northern Campaign” (1937)
The strategic objectives were:
- Conquer the industrial centers of Biscay (steel and armaments).
- Cut off communications with France via Irun to stop supplies.
The offensive targeted the Basque Country (spring), quickly capturing it without major damage to industry. In summer/autumn, the offensive moved towards Cantabria and Asturias.
The conquest of the Cantabrian coast in 1937 provided the Nationalists with a major industrial region, boosting their weaponry.
c) Third Stage: “Eastern Campaign” (1938)
The strategic objective of the offensive from Teruel to the Mediterranean was:
- Divide the Republican zone in two.
- Control Teruel, dominating Catalonia, Valencia, and Madrid.
The Nationalist offensive reached the Mediterranean in spring, cutting Republican communications. The Republicans launched a counteroffensive at the Ebro River to rejoin their zones, but were defeated in the Battle of the Ebro.
Catalonia was conquered in winter 1939. After a coup in Madrid, the Republicans were defeated, ending the war on April 1, 1939.
Evolution of the Two Areas
The “Republican” Area
Republican governments disbanded the army and distributed arms to leftist activists, causing state disintegration. Committees and militias controlled the area, leading to terror against uprising participants and the right, and revolution (land, factory, and service collectivization), causing a production drop.
Largo Caballero’s coalition government (September 1936 – May 1937) began rebuilding the state, creating the People’s Army by militarizing militias, facing opposition from anarchists.
Juan Negrin’s government (May 1937 – March 1939) unified military command, dismantled collectivization, organized war industry, and pursued the CNT. A coup in Madrid by Colonel Casado ended the war.
The “Nationalist” Area
The army created a provisional government, the National Defense Council, imposing martial law and initiating terror against leftists.
On October 1, 1936, General Francisco Franco unified military and political leadership. In April 1937, right-wing parties were unified into the National Movement, with Church support.
In 1938, Franco became head of state, establishing new labor relations based on the Labour Law. A single union controlled both employers and employees, prohibiting strikes.
In February 1939, the Law of Political Responsibilities was decreed to punish those who supported leftist governments since October 1934.
Consequences of Civil War
Demographic
- War casualties: 500,000 (160,000 in combat, 150,000 in repression, 40,000 in post-war repression, 150,000 from disease and deprivation).
- Exile: France (500,000), Latin America (22,000).
Economics
Severe damage to transport infrastructure, loss of half the fleet. Industry production dropped by 1/3. Agriculture and trade declined by 1/3. 500,000 homes destroyed. The Republican government used Bank of Spain reserves in the USSR (800 million dollars). The Nationalist government incurred debt with Germany and Italy for a similar amount.