Spanish Civil War: A Deep Dive into the Conflict
Spanish Civil War
Opposing Sides
Initially, General Sanjurjo was the leader of the rebels. However, after his death, General Emilio Mola assumed command. Although Mola was a prominent figure, he was less influential than Francisco Franco, who had better troops.
The coup failed in major cities. The rebels controlled the north-northwest (Galicia, Old Castile, Leon, Navarra, northern Extremadura, half of Aragon, and the Asturian capital). In the south, they only held certain cities (Cadiz, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, the Balearic Islands, Morocco, Alcazar of Toledo, etc.).
The Republicans had few and poorly equipped forces. Those who supported the coup included army officials, bankers, Catholic groups, and landowners. Those faithful to the Republic were the poor, the middle class, intellectuals, and artists.
This war was a clash between democracy and fascism, a war between social classes. It had a significant international impact, as Europe was preparing for World War II. The Nazis and Italians intervened, fearing the spread of communism in Europe. In Europe, the Republicans won the propaganda battle.
England and France rejected the Republican request for support. The Russians chose to provide aid, facing a very negative reaction.
The Spanish fascists possessed a huge help around the world.
Practical Help
- Republicans:
- England and France: Only moral support.
- Russia: Interested aid and demanded payment in advance.
- International Brigades.
- Rebels:
- Mussolini: Aimed to establish a Mediterranean empire. He sent 70,000 soldiers (purging and fascists), was extremely generous, and sold many weapons for testing.
- Hitler: Less generous than Mussolini but provided cutting-edge technology. Initially, he helped the rebels with the Condor Legion aircraft, which was very important.
- Portugal: The Portuguese dictator sent logistic support and volunteer troops, the “Viriato”.
- Morocco: The Sultan sent troops known for their brutality and terror.
- Dispersed Catholics.
Collapse of the Republic
The Republic did not rule even in its own area. In September, the Republic decided to reorganize the troops. Anarchists took four government ministries.
Rebel Area Political Developments
There were many kinds of rebels, but all had a clear military command structure. In late September, they named Franco as the supreme military chief and head of state. The other potential candidates for the post had died (Sanjurjo and Mola).
Franco was well-received because he was young, he was close to Sanjurjo, he was the head of African troops (the best), and he had the support of Hitler and Mussolini.
Government of Burgos
The rebel side included Carlists (Requeté), the Falange, and the youth of the CEDA, among others. In 1937, the Falange decided to unify with the JONS, imitating the Nazis. Franco adopted the title of “Caudillo”. In March 1938, he established the “Fuero del Trabajo”. Spain was declared a Catholic country, with Franco holding all powers.
Franco’s Repression
Franco brutally repressed Republican areas. Franco’s death toll in the rearguard was much higher. The Republic did not accept deaths in the rearguard and ordered investigations. Franco’s repression did not end with the war.
There were normal judges, judges of the Falange, and military judges.
Military Developments
1936
Passage of the Strait of Gibraltar, occupation of Andalusia and Extremadura, liberation of the Alcázar de Toledo, and the advance on Madrid. Rebel troops were better trained and equipped (including the Legion). Franco relieved Moscardó at the Alcázar.
Madrid resisted thanks to General Miaja’s good organization and the arrival of the International Brigades. Franco surrounded Madrid and engaged in the Battle of Jarama River. Italian troops were defeated at Guadalajara. The Condor Legion bombed Guernica.
In the Battle of the Ebro, Republican troops were exhausted. The war ended with the Republican forces fleeing to France and the fall of Barcelona. There was a coup within the Republican side, leading to a mini civil war among Republicans, and the fall of the Republic.
Exiles
Many Republicans fled to France, where they were placed in concentration camps. Others went to the Soviet Union (those with communist ideas). Some went to Latin America (writers, etc.), particularly Mexico, where they created their own mini-government.