Spanish Civil War: Factions, International Involvement, and Aftermath
Political Developments in the Spanish Civil War
The Republican side was supported by city dwellers, landless peasants, the proletariat, the bourgeoisie in general, and militants of left and centrist parties. Meanwhile, the Nationalist faction was formed by militants of the Falange (whose leader, José Antonio Primo de Rivera, was shot in Alicante in 1936), Carlist *cedistas*, part of the PNV, part of the Regionalist League, soldiers, farmers, and bankers.
Life on the Republican side became increasingly difficult due to the progressive loss of rural areas. Consequently, food had to be imported using money from the Bank of Spain. Meanwhile, the Nationalist zone was better served because they had control over many areas of the countryside and received loans from Germany, Italy, and U.S. companies.
As for the organization in the Republic, the democratic system remained. Casares Quiroga resigned at the very beginning of the war, and after him, presidents Largo Caballero (far left) and Negrín (who replaced Caballero in 1938) succeeded one another. Negrín was in favor of continuing the conflict and extending it to a future world war. Meanwhile, Azaña remained president of the Republic. Moreover, within the Republic, anarchists (CNT and FAI) and Communists (PC) were divided among themselves and with other Republicans.
In the Nationalist army, a military organization was imposed. The principal governing body was the National Defense Council, whose leader was initially Mola and later Franco. Meanwhile, the Falange, JONS, and traditionalist political parties lent their support but were always subordinate to the army. The only party was the Traditionalist Phalanx of the JONS. The dictatorial system of government was as follows: Generalissimo Franco was the military commander and Leader of Spain (political boss). There was no constitution or political parties (except the only party), and a series of decrees called Fundamental Laws of Motion were promulgated, such as the Labor Law, which was launched before the end of the war.
International Dimension and Consequences of the Civil War
The Civil War was viewed at the international level (especially in Europe) as a struggle between fascist ideals (National camp) and Communist ideals (Republican side). This was partly because the Republicans sought help from the Russians (Communists) and the National area relied on the aid of Germany and Italy (fascist). However, Franco would gradually distance himself from the fascism of Hitler and Mussolini with the development of the Second World War.
On behalf of the Republic, the International Brigades also fought. This was a body of volunteers, especially from Europe, who came to defend freedom and combat fascism. International labor unions and political parties also supported the Republic.
In addition, the Republic had asked for help, at the start of the war, from France, but Britain pressured France not to support them. This was because conservative England was concerned that a strong government in Germany could slow the potential progression of Stalin, leader of the USSR.
Despite all these supports, in September 1936, the Non-Intervention Committee had met, at which participating countries had agreed not to intervene in the Civil War. Among others, Germany, Italy, and the USSR had signed this agreement.
After the war, the failure of the Republican side meant, for many, a failure of European democracy.
In 1937, the Vatican recognized Franco’s government since it positioned itself as a defense of the Church against the mistreatment suffered by Republicans.
Impact of the Spanish Civil War
- There was a large decline in democracy.
- One million people disappeared: 450,000 of them were killed during the war, and the rest were exiled or convicted in the subsequent repression.
- The increase in mortality was not offset by birth rates, as they stood at very low levels until the beginning of the war.
- Most of the exiles went to France where, years later, they would participate in the Second World War (whether forming part of the resistance or being locked up in concentration camps).
- Another important group of exiles was established in South America and founded a Republican government in exile in Mexico.
- After the war, all public positions contrary to the regime were replaced, from political and military positions to teachers.
Finally, in economic terms, the situation was very sensitive at the start of the war. This was due, first, to the disruption caused by the war and the severe downturn in the active population (between the dead and mutilated). On the other hand, Spain suffered a trade embargo (and political isolation) by other countries because of their affiliation with the Hitler and Mussolini regimes.