Spanish Civil War: Key Battles and Republican Defeat
The Northern Campaign and the Republican Offensive
Between March 1937 and March 1938, the Nationalist forces, with superior air and naval power, attacked the Republican territory in the north. The Basque government and the Ministry of War lacked coordination, leading to the fall of Vizcaya and Bilbao in June 1937. The industry was captured almost intact by the Nationalists. Part of the Republican army in the Basque Country surrendered to the Italians after the Pact of Santoña. The bombing of Guernica in April 1937, carried out by the Condor Legion, shocked the world. Santander and Asturias fell in August and October 1937, respectively. The Republic’s army launched offensives at Brunete (July 1937) and Belchite (August 1937) to halt the Nationalist advance, achieving only partial success. After the Battle of Teruel (Winter 1937-1938), the Republicans briefly held the city.
The Battle of the Ebro and the Taking of Catalonia
From March 1938 to February 1939, the Nationalists aimed to split the Republican zone by attacking along the Aragon front. In April 1938, they reached the Mediterranean at Vinaroz, dividing Catalonia. Valencia and Castellón were occupied. In June 1938, the Republican Army launched the Battle of the Ebro, designed by General Vicente Rojo and authorized by Prime Minister Juan Negrín. The offensive lasted until November 1938, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. After the battle, the Nationalists conquered Catalonia. Barcelona fell in February 1939, leading to a mass exodus of troops and civilians loyal to the Republic.
The End of the War
Between February and April 1939, the final episodes of the war unfolded. Juan Negrín advocated for resistance, but faced opposition from military and political figures like Colonel Casado, General Miaja, and Julián Besteiro. A coup in March 1939 led to a brief internal conflict within the Republican camp. Colonel Casado’s faction prevailed, seeking to negotiate a surrender. However, the rapid collapse of the Republican front prevented an organized evacuation of those fleeing the Franco regime.