Spanish Civil War: Causes, Key Battles, and Aftermath
The Spanish Civil War
1. The Prelude to War
1.1 The Uprising and Division
The military revolt, starting in Melilla, Ceuta, and Tetouan, against the Republic, led to a divided Spain: Nationalist and Republican.
a) Nationalist Spain: Rural and Agricultural
Nationalist resources included Castilian cereal production, livestock, Galician-Leonese coal, financial support from the wealthy, and the Spanish Catholic Church.
b) Republican Spain: Industrial and Urban
The Republican side controlled the iron and steel industry in Asturias, Basque and Catalan textile industries, Mediterranean agriculture, and the Bank of Spain’s gold reserves.
1.2 International Support
a) Support for the Nationalists
The Nationalists had the well-prepared African army. Despite the Non-Intervention Committee, Germany, Italy, and Portugal aided the Nationalists.
b) Support for the Republic
France and Britain refused aid, adhering to the Non-Intervention Committee. The Soviet Union supported the Republic, leading to the International Brigades.
2. The Course of the War
2.1 The Offensive on Madrid
The Nationalist strategy focused on capturing Madrid. The African army crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, advancing north with German and Italian air support. The Republican government moved to Valencia.
2.2 The Northern Campaign
Franco shifted focus to the north, attacking Bizkaia with Italian and German support. The bombing of Guernica broke morale. The iron belt defense failed, and the city fell in 1937. Cantabria and Asturias followed.
2.3 The Capture of Teruel
The capture of Teruel split the Republican territory, facilitating the Nationalist advance through Aragon to Castellón.
2.4 The Battle of the Ebro
The Republican government counterattacked as Franco’s troops approached Valencia. The long battle favored Franco due to attrition.
2.5 The End of the War
After the Battle of the Ebro, Spain was in a critical state. The territory was divided, food was scarce, the International Brigades had withdrawn, and internal conflicts arose. Franco attacked Catalonia, capturing Tarragona and Barcelona. Madrid surrendered unconditionally in 1939, ending the war.