Spanish Civil War: Causes, Key Events, and Aftermath
The Road to Civil War in Spain (1936)
Tensions between the Popular Front coalition government and accusations of corruption fueled calls for new elections in February 1936. Centrist-leftist forces, grouped in the Popular Front (Front d’Esquerres in Catalonia), presented a united front. Right-wing parties in Catalonia reacted by advocating for order against what they perceived as Catalan separatism. The rest of Spain became divided between the Spanish Bloc, led by Calvo Sotelo, CEDA, and the Falange.
The elections resulted in a victory for the Popular Front. Manuel Azaña was named President of the Republic in May, and James House became head of government.
The Military Uprising of July 1936
A military uprising began on July 17, 1936, in Tetuan, Ceuta, and Melilla, spreading to the peninsula on the 18th. Significant army units staged a coup, seizing control of government bodies in several cities. Top military officers, aiming to restore order and end the Popular Front, led the rebellion. On July 19, the new head of government, José Giral, decided to arm the populace.
Failed Coup and Division of Spain
The failed coup in Andalusia and the insurrection in Catalonia, led by General Goded, had limited civilian support. Parts of the army and Civil Guard, especially the Assault Guard, remained loyal to the Republican government. Unions mobilized their militants to stop the coup. After two days of fighting in Barcelona, the military rebels surrendered. Spain was divided into two areas, unleashing a devastating civil war.
Internationalization of the Conflict
The political conflict in Europe was already tense in 1936 due to the rise of Italian fascism and German Nazism. The Spanish Civil War quickly gained international attention, seen as a confrontation between democratic and revolutionary forces against fascist regimes. The military rebels received aid from Germany and Italy, particularly in aviation and volunteer troops.
To avoid escalating European tensions, France and Great Britain promoted a policy of non-intervention, which ultimately hurt the Republicans, who were left without European support. The USSR became their primary military backer. Despite the government’s position, international solidarity emerged, with international brigades joining the fight for the Republican cause.
Social Revolution in Catalonia
A social revolution in Catalonia led to the formation of the Committee of Antifascist Militias, driven by the CNT-FAI, which united various leftist groups. Committees and workers occupied and confiscated land and factories, spreading collectivization among peasants. A wave of anti-clericalism was unleashed. Aristocratic or religious symbols were targeted, leading to imprisonment and death. In November, a government of concentration moved from Madrid to Valencia to better manage the war effort. Militias were merged into a People’s Army.
Republican Divisions and the Negrín Government
Republican military confrontation failures led to divisions within the Republican forces. Trotskyists and anarchists opposed government measures, resulting in armed clashes in Barcelona in May 1937.
Following the May events, Juan Negrín formed a government with limited anarchist presence and strong communist influence. The government imposed its authority on committees and pursued a policy of extreme resistance.
The Nationalist Government
In the sublevada area military dictatorship, the first governing body of the rebels was the Board of National Defense. On October 1, 1936, General Franco was declared head of state and government. In April 1937, the Unification Decree merged all political forces into a single party: the Spanish Traditionalist Phalanx of the Juntas of National Syndicalist Offensive. The new state, government of villages inspired by fascism, defended conservatism and the primacy of Catholicism.