Spanish Civil War: Battles, Politics, and Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Major Military Operations
During the Civil War, there were four major military operations in the battles around Madrid. These are distinguished from Jarama and Guadalajara, both of which represented victories for the Republicans.
- Occupation of the North: This involved French and Italian troops, as well as the Condor Legion.
- Franco’s Campaign and the Republican Counteroffensive: Republicans, led by General Miaja, launched a counteroffensive in Brunete, which resulted in a significant failure.
- Advance Towards the Mediterranean: Franco attempted to divide the Republican zone in two, isolating Catalonia. His forces reached Vinaroz on April 15th, leaving Catalonia isolated.
- Battle of the Ebro: One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, it was initiated to prevent the Nationalist conquest of Catalonia.
The End of the War
With the conquest of Catalonia, Republican Spain was reduced to Madrid. A defense board was formed to negotiate an honorable surrender, but Franco demanded unconditional surrender. His troops took Madrid, followed by the fall of Alicante and Almeria. On April 1st, Franco announced the end of the war.
Political Developments
Republican Zone
In the initial moments of the war, José Giral was forced to deliver arms to radical organizations, which organized a militia army. This led to strong repression. Francisco Largo Caballero came to power, moved the capital to Valencia, and attempted to militarize the militias. However, ideological confrontations between anarchists, communists, and republicans persisted. Finally, with the support of the Soviet Union, communist influence increased, and a new government was formed, headed by Juan Negrín.
Nationalist Zone
The rebel generals were forced to create an embryonic state under a military regime. Franco was proclaimed “Generalissimo of the Armies” and Head of State, uniting political, administrative, and military power. A Technical Board of State was established, and Franco imposed the Unification Decree, creating the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS. Manuel Hedilla, leader of the Falange, was jailed.
Consequences of the War
- Demographic: Deaths on the front lines and due to repression, famine, epidemics, and the Republican exile.
- Economic: Destruction of industry and infrastructure, increased foreign debt, and the loss of gold reserves.
- Social: The recovery of economic and social hegemony by the oligarchy (landowners, industrialists, and financiers).
- Moral: The victors never sought reconciliation and emphasized the war’s military origins.