Spanish Civil War: Causes, Sides, and Consequences
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The 1936 Coup
The main organizer of the 1936 coup was General Emilio Mola. The Popular Front government had intended to keep him away from Pamplona and send him to Madrid, where they suspected a military conspiracy was afoot.
The plan was to organize a simultaneous military uprising in all possible garrisons, especially in Madrid and Barcelona. General Francisco Franco, initially intended by the government to be sent to the Canary Islands, was persuaded by the conspirators to lead their Army of Africa.
The conspiracy had the support of most right-wing political forces and some European countries.
The uprising started in Morocco on July 17, 1936, with the garrison in Melilla. This marked the beginning of a long and brutal civil war that lasted for three years.
Causes of the Civil War
The Republic’s efforts towards modernization and democratization resulted in clashes between the ruling class and progressive sectors, including workers. For example:
- Land reform was opposed by the landed oligarchy.
- Autonomy Statutes of Catalonia, Galicia, and the Basque Country were met with opposition by the Spanish right, centralists, and the Army.
Other causes of the social conflict include:
- The Great Depression of the 1930s, which hit Spain starting in 1932 and worsened living conditions.
- The appointment by President Lerroux of three CEDA ministers.
- The existence of fascist regimes in Europe interested in preventing the progression of labor movements and the emergence of Popular Fronts.
The Two Sides
a) The Insurgents (Nationalists)
Inspired by fascism and supported by:
- Conservative military
- Large and medium landowners
- Parties of the right and traditionalists
- A well-organized and disciplined army
- International aid from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy
b) The Republicans
Supported by:
- The popular classes: workers and landless peasants
- Middle classes: urban employees and the petty bourgeoisie
- International aid from the USSR and the International Brigades
Military Operations of the War
The Struggle for Madrid
On October 1, 1936, the National Defense Junta named Generalissimo Franco head of state. He aimed to take Madrid but met with firm resistance.
The Northern Front
After the failed assault on Madrid, Franco’s army focused on other territories, leading to actions that would prolong the war. The accidental death of General Mola did not alter the course of the war. In June, Asturias, Vizcaya, and Santander fell. Unable to resist the attacks of the Condor Legion, they became part of the Nationalist area.
The Eastern Front
The Republican army conquered Teruel, although they had to abandon it a few weeks later. 1939 began with the occupation of Catalonia and the fall of Barcelona at the hands of Franco’s army. Thousands of people embarked on the experience of exile. Following the final offensive on Madrid, Franco signed the last part of the war on April 1, 1939.
Consequences of the Civil War
a) Demographics
The latest research estimates that victims of the war exceeded 500,000:
- About 300,000 died from fighting and bombardments.
- 150,000 executions due to repression (60,000 in the Republican zone and 90,000 in the area controlled by the insurgents).
Republican Repression: Repression was carried out by uncontrolled militias and parties outside the established trade unions and authorities of the Republic. People’s Courts were established for sentencing.
Nationalist Repression: In the area controlled by rebel soldiers, the physical elimination of those who had fought for or were sympathizers of leftist parties was systematically carried out from the outset.
After the war, the victors continued to carry out executions, with 50,000 by rifle during the postwar period. Other victims included refugees and exiles. 13,000 children were sent to various countries, 500,000 people from the northern population were concentrated in Catalonia to cross the border to France, and some 15,000 people attempted to escape through the port of Alicante.
b) Political
The establishment of a military dictatorship by General Franco, which lasted for 40 years (1939-1975), was characterized by a lack of freedoms and the persecution of any form of dissent.
- Political prisoners were sent to prisons and concentration camps. 100,000 remained in custody in 1945 because of the Spanish war, in many cases serving hard labor sentences.
c) Economic
The 1940s were years of famine: the war had destroyed economic resources and infrastructure.
- The economic index increased tenfold, and there was economic stagnation.
- Spain could not benefit from American aid due to international political isolation.
d) Cultural
Cultural and scientific isolation: the forces of culture that had supported the Republic were wiped out or fled into exile.