Spanish Civil War: Key Battles and Conflict Development
Development of the Spanish Civil War
First Movement (July-October 1936)
The rebels aimed for a swift victory, prioritizing the capture of Madrid. During the summer, Republican forces attempted to halt General Mola’s advancing army to prevent the capital’s capture. Southern troops, supported by Italy and led by Franco, advanced towards Madrid through Extremadura. A diversion led to the fall of Badajoz and subsequent repression, resulting in numerous casualties. In September, Nationalist forces conquered Talavera, where Republicans had concentrated their defenses. Franco’s advance was delayed by the relief of the Alcazar of Toledo, a propaganda victory for the Nationalists. Meanwhile, Mola successfully isolated the Cantabrian region from France.
The Siege of Madrid (October 1936-March 1937)
In October, the Nationalists, under General Varela, reached the outskirts of Madrid. Faced with the Nationalists’ military superiority and the imminent fall of the capital, political parties and trade unions mobilized the people of Madrid to defend the city. External reinforcements, including the International Brigades and Russian aircraft and tanks, proved crucial in the Republican defense. The Republican troops managed to resist, prompting Franco to abandon the frontal assault on the capital and instead aim to encircle it. After failing to take Madrid, Franco opted for a war of attrition, gradually occupying territory by attacking the Republicans’ weakest points, leading to battles such as the Battle of Jarama and Guadalajara.
The Northern Campaign (Spring-Fall 1937)
Nationalist troops conquered the Republican-held north, which had been isolated. Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country fell into Franco’s hands. The bombing of Guernica, where the Condor Legion devastated a city with no military significance, occurred during this campaign. The Republicans attempted to divert Franco from the northern front but failed to prevent the region’s fall to the Nationalists. The conquest of the north provided the Nationalists with significant resources, allowing them to concentrate on the south. General Mola died during the Basque campaign, leaving Franco as the sole leader of the Nationalist forces.
The Battle of Teruel and the Ebro (December 1937-November 1938)
In December 1937, the Republicans launched an offensive at Teruel, which ultimately ended with the Nationalists regaining control.
Franco launched an attack in Aragon and reached the Mediterranean, effectively dividing the Republican territory in two. The last major Republican offensive was the Battle of the Ebro in July 1938, which eventually depleted Republican morale and resources.
The End of the War
Following the offensive against Catalonia, which culminated in the capture of Barcelona by Franco’s troops, divisions within the Republican ranks intensified. On one side, Prime Minister Negrín, supported by the Communists and Socialists, advocated for resistance, hoping for the outbreak of war in Europe to gain allies. On the other side, Colonel Casado, favoring a deal with Franco, staged a coup against the Negrín government. Despite Casado’s attempts to negotiate, Franco demanded unconditional surrender, which occurred on March 28, 1939.