Spanish Civil War: Causes, Uprising, and International Impact
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Causes and Military Uprising
a. Causes of the War
The primary causes stemmed from the conflict between oligarchic groups fearing a proletarian revolution and a democratic revolution. Other factors included social disorder, anarchy, defense of religion, and resistance to change and loss of privileges. Large landowners, military leaders, the clergy, and financial elites opposed the perceived threat of communism and anarchy. The military uprising was led by conservative officers with fascist sympathies.
b. The Military Uprising
The uprising began on July 17, 1936, in Morocco, where the Spanish Army was stationed. General Franco moved to Morocco to lead the rebellion. Uprisings occurred in Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Navarra, parts of Castile and Leon, Aragon, Galicia, Oviedo, and the Balearic Islands. This formed the rebel-held area, dividing Spain into two sections. The coup failed, leading to a civil war. The Republican government controlled the Cantabrian coast, the Basque Country, Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Castile-La Mancha, Malaga, and Murcia. Workers formed militias to defend the Republic. The central government and the Generalitat lost control of public order and military initiative. The civil war lasted until April 1, 1939.
The Republican area, led by President Manuel Azaña, formed a new government under José Giral. The government and organizations were weak, with workers acting through councils. The military was dismantled, but they controlled most of Spain’s industrial resources, the Cantabrian coast, important agricultural areas, and over 60% of the population. A major disadvantage was the lack of a trained army. In the Nationalist area, each general had authority, and the army was hierarchical and disciplined, giving them a military advantage. After Sanjurjo’s death, the National Defense Board was led by Cabanellas. They also controlled important agricultural areas.
c. International Dimension of the Conflict
Foreign Aid:
Fascist Support: Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany supported the Nationalists for political and strategic reasons. The conflict served as a testing ground for their armies. They shared the same ideology as the rebels. They provided military personnel and supplies. Italy sought control of the Mediterranean, which was useful in their fight against Britain. Some aid was semi-gratuitous. Portugal, under Oliveira Salazar, also supported the Nationalists by controlling the border and allowing supplies to pass through. The Papacy morally supported the Nationalists, encouraging Catholics to support the cause. The Vatican recognized Franco’s regime in 1937.
Neutral Democracies and Appeasement: In France, there were collective adhesions and support for the Spanish Republican government. However, the French government closed its borders to prevent the entry of arms into Spain. The U.S. and Britain remained neutral to avoid escalating European tensions.
Soviet Union: The Spanish Republican government received support from the Soviet Union (from September 1936) and Mexico. The Soviet support was driven by a common front against Nazism. They sent military advisors and accepted exiles. International Brigades were formed by communist volunteers from around the world, with about 40,000 volunteers arriving by November 1936.
Non-Intervention Agreement: The non-intervention policy harmed the Republic, preventing them from obtaining legitimate foreign arms. The committee formed to enforce this policy failed, strengthening fascism and contributing to World War II.
Public Opinion and Intellectuals: The Republican cause attracted sympathy from left-wing intellectuals. Fascist regimes did not allow public opinion to favor the Republicans. In democratic countries, Catholics often supported the Nationalists, while many were anti-German. Independent intellectuals in Europe and America supported the Republic, identifying with democracy and social revolution.