Spanish Civil War: A Concise History
The Spanish Civil War
The Military Uprising
The rebellion began after the right’s defeat. The Popular Front government, led by Azaña, resumed land reform, granted amnesty to prisoners, and restored Basque, Catalan, and Galician autonomy. On July 17, an uprising began in Morocco. On July 18, Casares Quiroga resigned after refusing to give weapons to leftist parties and unions. On July 19, a new government under José Giral distributed the weapons. The uprising’s partial failure divided the country and started the war.
The Nationalist zone controlled grain-producing regions and some mining areas. The Republican zone controlled industrial regions and some farmland.
The International Dimension of the Conflict
Italy, Portugal, and conservative parties in other countries supported the Nationalist rebels. The Republic initially sought help from France and the UK. With support from other countries, a Non-Intervention Committee was formed, pledging not to provide material aid—a commitment that Germany and Italy ignored. The USSR, the only power helping the Republic, sent military advisors and promoted the International Brigades, which played a significant role. Soviet support strengthened the PCE’s influence in the government.
The Evolution of the Two Areas
The Republican Zone
The Republican government lost control to local and regional committees organized by political parties and unions. In September 1936, a unity government was established under Socialist Largo Caballero. The CNT-FAI and POUM advocated for “war and revolution,” while the PSOE and PCE favored “first war, then revolution.” The Barcelona crisis led to Largo Caballero’s resignation. The new government, led by Socialist Negrín, imposed a more centralized structure and organized the Popular Army. Some anarchists and socialists discussed surrender. The Munich Pact reinforced the belief that the war was lost. Republicans targeted priests and the wealthy. After initial chaos, the government gradually reduced repression.
The Nationalist Zone
General Sanjurjo’s death left the Nationalists without a clear leader. Rebels in Burgos created the National Defence Council, a provisional government that established a militarized state. The Catholic Church framed the war as a crusade. Franco, leading the powerful Army of Africa, had German support. In 1937, the Carlists and Falangists merged into the FET y de las JONS. Franco gained control of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, enacting the Labour Law. The new system restored the Church’s power, creating National Catholicism. The 1939 Law of Political Responsibilities targeted those who opposed the Nationalist movement.
The Four Stages of the Civil War
First Phase: Madrid on the Offensive
Rebels from Morocco, with their best troops, advanced against Republican militias. The militias, aided by the International Brigades, slowed the Nationalist advance. After failing to capture Madrid in the battles of Jarama and Guadalajara, Franco shifted to a long-war strategy.
Second Phase: The Northern Offensive
Nationalists captured Cantabria, Asturias, and the Basque Country. The Condor Legion bombed Guernica. Republican counteroffensives at Brunete and Belchite failed. Losing the north had severe economic and strategic consequences.
Third Phase: The Mediterranean Offensive
In the winter of 1937, Aragon became the new front. Republican offensives, including the Battle of Teruel, failed. Franco divided Republican territory. The Battle of the Ebro, a Republican attempt to reunite their territory, resulted in near annihilation of their army.
Fourth Stage: The End of the War
Nationalists occupied Catalonia, and Republican remnants fled to France. The Republic was divided. Colonel Casado revolted against Negrín’s government and tried to negotiate with Franco, who demanded unconditional surrender. Franco’s troops entered Madrid unopposed, ending the war on April 1, 1939.
The Civil War in the Canary Islands
Franco prepared the coup with the oligarchy’s support. On July 18, uprisings occurred in Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Franco left for Morocco, leaving General Orgaz in command. Civilian governments, supported by assault guards, some civil guards, and unarmed political groups, resisted but were quickly overwhelmed. The revolt spread to other islands. The Canary Islands supplied troops and food to the Nationalists, worsening the islands’ economic hardship.
Consequences of the Civil War
Population cost: High mortality during and after the war.
Economic cost: Destruction of industry and infrastructure.
Social cost: The oligarchy regained power, and generations were scarred by war and repression.