Spanish Civil War: Key Battles and Turning Points
The Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a brutal conflict that pitted the Republican government against the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. The rebels, known as Nationalists, were supported by Italy and Germany. In response, the Non-Intervention Committee was created in London to prevent the intervention of other European powers and maintain world peace. However, this was not respected by either Germany or Italy.
Foreign Intervention and Shifting Alliances
Hitler’s personal decision to participate in the war led to Germany’s involvement. He aimed to pressure France from the south and combat communism, sending the Condor Legion to aid Franco. France and Britain maintained a passive stance, as they viewed the Popular Front as too revolutionary and Franco’s fascist movement as less threatening.
The Republic had no choice but to turn to the USSR for support. For Stalin, the revolutionary prestige of his country necessitated backing the Spanish Republic.
The Northern Campaign: A Turning Point
Franco shifted the war’s focus to the north, where General Mola led operations. This campaign proved decisive. The Nationalist army conquered Vizcaya, Santander, and Asturias.
The Popular Front struggled to organize a cohesive army, relying instead on militias, as stated by Largo Caballero. Operations relied heavily on aviation and artillery, exemplified by the bombings of Durango and Guernica. These events led to the fall of the Basque Country and a major victory for the insurgents in Santander.
In Asturias, resistance was stronger, but the lack of unity in the Republican military command favored the attackers. The Spaniard, considered a sovereign council, consolidated all authority and suppressed the remaining leftist guerrillas who were distracting Franco’s troops.
Aragon and the End of the Northern Front
In Aragon, the Republicans initially achieved success, marking their most brilliant operation. However, their shortcomings soon became apparent. The consequences of the northern front’s collapse were decisive for the war’s outcome, and many consider it key to Franco’s victory.
Franco’s Rise to Power
The royalist generals (Orgaz and Kindelan), the African military, and Yagüe chose Franco to lead the rebels. However, they did not initially envision a dictatorship, only the acceptance of political power during the war.
The Battles of Teruel and the Ebro
Fighting continued in Teruel and the Ebro, with both offensives prepared by the Republicans. The strategic plan for the Battle of Teruel was to break the opponent’s area of Extremadura and relieve Teruel. While they initially gained ground, Teruel ultimately surrendered to Franco’s forces.
Franco then conquered Teruel in just three days, breaking the Republican front. This battle significantly impacted Republican morale and contributed to the front’s collapse when Franco launched further attacks.
The Road to Victory
Franco led the offensive north of the Ebro towards the sea. The front collapsed, and he entered Lerida in Catalonia in April. He then reached the sea and took Vinaroz, a crucial moment in the war’s outcome.
The Popular Army attempted to reorganize and launched a new offensive against Valencia. Republican forces crossed the Ebro with initial success, as Franco did not anticipate the attack’s magnitude. However, their momentum soon faded, and they could not withstand the Nationalist counterattack.
Franco launched his offensive, and the Republicans retreated across the Ebro, effectively surrendering.
The End of the War
Nationalist troops reached the French border in Barcelona without resistance, as Republican leaders acknowledged defeat. The highest authorities of the Republic left the country due to a breakdown in communication and a misunderstanding among Republican army commanders.
Franco’s prime minister, Negrin, was forced to resign. On April 1, 1939, Franco announced victory to his troops.