Spanish Civil War: A Concise Overview
The Spanish Civil War
The Prelude to Conflict
The Spanish Civil War was preceded by escalating violence and clashes between the left and right political factions. Workers and peasants engaged in revolutionary actions, while the right-wing conspired and sought military support to quell the social revolution. The assassination of Lieutenant José del Castillo on July 12th served as the pretext for a military rebellion, launched on July 17th in Ceuta and Melilla under General Franco’s leadership.
The Course of the War
The rebellion initially triumphed in two zones: the north (Galicia to Navarra, excluding the Cantabrian coast) and the south (western Andalusia, extending to Morocco and the Canary Islands). The war unfolded in three stages:
- July 1936 – March 1937: Franco’s Army of Africa crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, occupying much of Andalusia and Extremadura. Simultaneously, General Mola seized territory from Navarre to Galicia and Castilla y León. Franco’s objective was to capture Madrid. The Republican resistance at the Alcazar of Toledo, under General Moscardó, prevented Franco from taking Madrid initially, though he persisted in his efforts. Republican victories at Jarama and Guadalajara further thwarted Franco’s strategy.
- April 1937 – November 1938: Unable to secure Madrid, Franco launched a northern campaign. Following General Mola’s death, General Dávila continued the offensive, capturing Bilbao and Santander after the bombing of Guernica in April 1937. Asturias and Gijón resisted until their eventual fall. Two major battles marked this period: the Battle of Teruel (a Nationalist victory) and the Battle of the Ebro (a bloody and decisive Republican defeat). The arrival of international troops in the Mediterranean divided Republican territory.
- December 1938 – March 1939: Franco’s Catalan offensive swiftly led to Barcelona’s fall in January 1939, prompting the Republican government’s exile to France. Madrid remained the final objective. In early March, Colonel Casado, backed by Socialists and Anarchists, rebelled against the government of Juan Negrín and assumed control. Negrín fled to France, and Madrid fell to Franco on March 28th. The war officially ended on April 1st, 1939.
Political Developments
Republican Side: The initial government of Casares Quiroga was succeeded by a Socialist government under Largo Caballero. Revolutionary power remained in Catalonia and Aragon. Attempts to restore government authority led to an Anarchist uprising in May 1937. Largo Caballero resigned, replaced by Juan Negrín, who prioritized the war effort.
Nationalist Side: The Nationalist side formed a Board of National Defense. The Falange emerged as the dominant political force, merging with other groups to form the FET de las JONS.
Foreign Intervention
was important in the war, to the military rebels were assisted countries with fascist regimes: Hitler (Germany) with the Condor Legion, official soldiers, aircraft and financial support. Mussolini (Italy), help with men and dinero.Salazar (portugal) with the sending of volunteers. The only countries k rapublica helped the Soviet Union was (with men and weapons) and Mexico, led by Lazaro Cardenas with weapons, food and diplomatic support. include the International Brigades, more than 60,000 volunteers went to esp q XRA help the republic. I think the committee is not based in London Intervention XRA k the problem is not international, in the ambiguity, France bowed x ruled the republic since it a popular front. Britain and the U.S. indirectly supported frankist side. U.S. 1avance interpreted the war as communism. carried out supplies of large American companies such as Ford, General Motors or the Texaco oil. The events of the war brought economic and demographic consequences: physical destruction (roads, railways, bridges and buildings). Agricultural production fell by 20% and 30% industrial. The per capita income fell and did not recover until 1952. It is difficult to calculate human losses. The total number of deaths in the war could exceed 500,000. It should be added the unborn, the loss of young people. Another key element was the Republican exile (some 450,000), which was a significant population loss: young and active population, which included many of the most prepared of the country: elite scientific, literary and artistic works.
The result of the war brought the recovery of the economic and social hegemony of the oligarchy, industrial and financial.