Spanish Civil War: Key Events and Political Developments (1936-1939)
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
1936: The Genesis of Conflict
Key Events:
- Triumph of the Popular Front (Left Republicans): Increased political polarization.
- Manuel Azaña’s Presidency: Attempted to maintain stability within the Republic.
- July 17: Military Insurrection Begins: Sparked by deep social and ideological divisions.
- October 1: Franco’s Government Established: Marked a significant turning point in the war.
Popular Front Aims:
- Continued reforms.
- Strengthening education.
- Amnesty for political prisoners.
- Restoration of the Catalan Government.
- Approval of autonomy statutes for Galicia and the Basque Country.
Public Disorder:
- Widespread violence.
- Strikes and land occupations.
- Labor disputes.
- Attacks on ecclesiastical buildings.
Political Landscape:
- Falange (Right): Advocated an authoritarian alternative.
- POUM (1935): Fusion of the Bloc Obrer i Camperol (BOC) and the Workers’ Party of Marxist Unification (POUM).
- PSUC (1936): Merger of left-wing parties.
- CNT (1936): Adopted a more radical stance.
The Army’s Role: The army was divided from the beginning of the republican period, with some sectors hostile to the Republic. The government, aware of conspiracies, placed loyal military leaders in key positions and sent suspected generals to the periphery.
Early 1936: Conspiracies and Uprising
In March 1936, several conspiracies and planned insurrections emerged. General Emilio Mola played a key role in organizing the uprising. The insurgents aimed to impose a new order through violence. Queipo de Llano and Mola, along with other military leaders, declared a state of war. The insurrection was successful in rural areas, while other parts of the country remained loyal to the Republic. The insurgents’ attempt to seize control of key cities was met with resistance. This marked the beginning of a long and unexpected civil war, accompanied by revolution and political violence.
Military Phases of the War
- First Phase (July-December 1936): The insurgents’ initial objective was to capture Madrid. Key battles included the Battle of Jarama.
- Second Phase (1937-November 1938): The Battle of the Ebro was a particularly brutal and costly battle for both sides.
- Third Phase (December 1938-April 1, 1939): Franco launched the final offensive against Catalonia, followed by the occupation of Madrid. The war officially ended on April 1, 1939.
The Rearguard and Social Impact
Republican Zone:
- Release of political prisoners.
- Creation of militias.
- Collectivization of industries.
- Workers taking control of abandoned companies.
Rebel Zone:
- Climate of terror and persecution of Republicans.
- Ideological support from fascists, Carlists, monarchists, and the Church hierarchy.