Spanish Civil War: A Visual Timeline of Key Events
Primary Sources and Insurgent Loyalties During the Spanish Civil War
Queipo de Llano and José Giral (July 18th and 20th, 1936)
At the outset of the Spanish Civil War, two prominent figures, Queipo de Llano and José Giral, delivered impactful speeches reflecting the opposing sides of the conflict. Queipo de Llano, a Nationalist general, justified the coup against the Republican government, citing the need to restore order amidst perceived chaos and anarchy. In contrast, José Giral, the head of the Republican government, expressed the Republic’s determination to defeat the insurgents with the support of the Republican army and militias, emphasizing the legitimacy of the democratically elected government.
The Division in Spain
These speeches exemplify the deep division that plagued Spain during the Civil War, a division between Republicans and Nationalists that fueled the conflict.
5.1. Military Insurrection (July 1936)
In Catalonia, the coup d’état encountered resistance. Military forces aligned with the Falangists and Carlists faced opposition from government forces (including the Assault Guard and Civil Guard) and popular resistance led by the CNT-FAI. The coup attempt was thwarted with the arrest of General Goded, the leader of the military rebels in Mallorca. He surrendered at the request of President Companys, effectively ending the coup’s momentum by July 20th, 1936. This triggered a surge of revolutionary enthusiasm.
Despite the coup’s failure in Catalonia, the war had begun in Spain.
Situation of the Fronts (November 1936)
Map of Spain (November 1936)
The map illustrates the deployment of both sides and their movements in November 1936. France played a role in the conflict, and the war was led by prominent figures such as Azaña (President of the Republic), Largo Caballero (head of government), and Franco (head of the Nationalist forces).
The map reveals the division between Nationalist and Republican Spain and their respective offensives. Nationalist forces advanced from southern Spain, while Republicans held territory in northern Spain, Madrid, and the Mediterranean coast. Key offensives included the Nationalist push towards Madrid and Republican efforts to secure Aragón, Ibiza, and Mallorca.
The early stages of the war demonstrated a relative balance between the opposing sides, with the Nationalists focused on capturing Madrid.
Situation of the Fronts (December 1937)
Map of Spain (December 1937)
The map depicts the territorial control of both sides and their movements in December 1937. By this point, Nationalist forces had occupied the Cantabrian Sea area. The map highlights the division of Spain, with Nationalists in the west and Republicans in the east. Notable battles included the Republican defeats at Brunete and Belchite, and the Republican victories at Jarama and Guadalajara, which contributed to the defense of Madrid.
The map underscores the Nationalist advance and the impact of the Cantabrian zone’s occupation on the Republicans, who lost a vital source of resources.
Battle of the Ebro (July-November 1938)
Map of the Ebro River Area (July-November 1938)
The map details the movements of Republican and Nationalist forces during the Battle of the Ebro, a crucial battle in the final stages of the Civil War. The Republic was led by Azaña (President) and Negrín (head of government), while Franco commanded the Nationalist forces.
The map shows the initial battle lines along the Ebro River. Republicans advanced towards Gandesa but were pushed back by Franco’s counteroffensive. The front eventually stabilized near the river. The Republican defeat in the Battle of the Ebro proved decisive, as it weakened Republican forces and allowed the Nationalists to occupy Catalonia.
Causes of the Battle of the Ebro:
- Reunite Republican-held territories.
- Demonstrate the Republic’s strength to the international community.
Development of the Battle:
- Republican offensive with initial success, aiming to capture Gandesa.
- Stalemate with little change in front lines (August-November 1938).
- Franco’s counteroffensive on multiple fronts, leading to Nationalist gains.
- Final battle on November 16th, 1938, resulting in a Republican defeat.
Consequences of the Battle:
- The Republican defeat weakened their army and facilitated the Nationalist offensive in Catalonia.
- Nationalist forces occupied Tarragona, Barcelona, Girona, and reached the French border in January and February 1939.
- Mass exodus of refugees to France, including the Catalan government, President Azaña, and the Basque government.
The Nationalist advance triggered a massive exodus of civilians and soldiers (estimated at half a million) to France. Many were interned in makeshift concentration camps near the border, while others perished from cold, hunger, illness, or violence.
Situation of the Fronts (July 1938)
Map of Spain (July 1938)
The map illustrates the disposition of forces and their movements in July 1938, as the Civil War neared its end. Azaña remained President of the Republic, and Negrín served as head of government.
Nationalist forces had divided the Republican zone into two isolated areas: Catalonia and the Levant (from Valencia to Almería). They launched an offensive towards Catalonia to weaken the Republic further. The Republican zone was reduced to Catalonia and the Levant, while Madrid remained under Republican control. The map also highlights the Battle of Teruel in Aragón and the territory held by the Nationalists.
The insurgents continued to gain ground, and the division of the Republican zone proved to be a critical factor in the war’s outcome.