Spanish Civil War: A Concise Overview (1936-1939)
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Origins of the Conflict
The Spanish Civil War began on July 18, 1936, with a military uprising against the Second Spanish Republic. This uprising, organized by a faction of the Spanish military, followed the Popular Front’s electoral victory. Key figures in the rebellion included Yagüe from Africa, Goded from Mallorca, Queipo de Llano from Andalusia, Mola from Pamplona, Carlist requetés (paramilitaries), Sanjurjo (exiled in Portugal), and Franco from the Canary Islands.
The uprising divided Spain into two opposing camps:
- The Republicans: Supporters of the Popular Front government and its president, Manuel Azaña. Following the uprising and the resignation of Santiago Casares Quiroga, Diego Martínez Barrio briefly held power but resigned rather than arm civilians. José Giral then became Prime Minister and provided weapons, leading to the involvement of worker’s movements and unions like the UGT and CNT.
- The Nationalists (Rebels): Supported by Catholic groups, conservative political parties (CEDA, Falange, Carlists), the Church, and parts of the wealthy elite. Their key leaders included Franco, who later became head of state.
International Involvement and Key Areas
The Republicans received limited support from the International Brigades, comprising around 60,000 volunteers. However, the 1936 Non-Intervention Agreement prevented major powers like Great Britain and France from providing substantial aid. The Republic primarily relied on the USSR for war material and supplies.
Key Republican areas included Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid, Cantabria, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, the Basque Country (excluding Álava), Asturias (excluding Oviedo), parts of Andalusia, and Menorca.
The Nationalists received support from fascist Italy, Germany, and Portugal. Italy sent the Corpo Truppe Volontarie, Germany provided the Condor Legion and war material, and Portugal under Salazar offered logistical support.
Key Nationalist areas included Morocco, León, Castile, parts of Andalusia, Navarre, Galicia, parts of Aragon, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands (excluding Menorca).
The Course of the War
1936-1937: The Nationalists advanced from Africa, aided by German forces, capturing Badajoz and Toledo. The Battle of Madrid ensued, with Republican General Miaja defending the city. The Republican government relocated to Valencia.
1937-1938: The Republicans achieved victories at Jarama, Guadalajara, and Teruel. However, the Nationalists won the Battle of Brunete and advanced towards the Mediterranean, capturing Teruel, Lleida, and Vinaròs.
1938: The Battle of the Ebro, a major Republican offensive, resulted in heavy losses for both sides. The Nationalists then launched an offensive in Catalonia, leading to the fall of Barcelona and the exile of thousands of Republicans.
1939: Madrid fell to the Nationalists in March, and the war officially ended on April 1st, marking the beginning of Franco’s dictatorship.
Key Political Figures
José Giral (1879-1962)
Chemist, professor, and politician. Served as Prime Minister and in various ministerial positions during the Republic. Went into exile in Mexico in 1939.
Francisco Largo Caballero (1869-1946)
Prominent socialist politician and union leader. Served as Prime Minister during the war. Exiled to France and later imprisoned in a concentration camp. Released and died in Paris in 1946.