Spanish Civil War: Madrid Battles and Northern Campaign

Military Actions: Progress Towards Madrid (July-November 1936)

After crossing the Strait, the African troops, commanded by Colonel Yagüe, advanced towards Madrid to seize the capital. In August, the rebel troops captured Badajoz, linking up with the rebel zone in the North. Franco then moved in September to secure Toledo, nearing the Alcázar. The capture of the capital seemed imminent. On October 29, a general mobilization was declared to defend Madrid. Thousands of men and women fortified the city’s entrances and interior by November 6. The Republican government relocated to Valencia, while the defense of the capital was led by Commander Rojo. Madrid withstood a frontal assault, bolstered by the arrival of the first International Brigades, Russian tanks, and a column from Barcelona led by Buenaventura Durruti. The resistance of Madrid marked the end of the “war columns” phase, where the Republican army columns were composed of volunteers.

Battle Around Madrid (December 1936 – March 1937)

In an attempt to encircle the capital, the rebels launched maneuvers to cut off Madrid’s communications with Valencia. The first major action was the Battle of Jarama in February, where the rebels crossed the river but were halted by the Republicans, failing to isolate the city. In the Battle of Guadalajara in March, the Italian fascist troops, allies of Franco, suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the reconstituted People’s Army of the Republic. This second phase of the war was characterized by the reorganization of both armies, particularly the Republican forces, with the creation of the new People’s Army and the militarization of many militias.

Occupation of the North (April – October 1937)

Franco shifted his focus from attacking the capital to the north. A region encompassing Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country remained under Republican control. While the rebels controlled Navarra and had taken San Sebastian in August 1936, the bulk of this key area, rich in mineral resources and industrial steel, was still held by the Republic. The main fighting occurred between April and October 1937. The rebels, under General Mola, launched an offensive on Vizcaya. The Basque town of Guernica was destroyed by Nazi aerial bombardment, marking one of the first instances of aerial attacks on a civilian population, later immortalized in Picasso’s works. Bilbao fell on June 19 due to the rebels’ superior resources. To alleviate military pressure in the North, the Republic launched attacks on Belchite and Brunete but failed to prevent Franco’s troops from capturing Santander and Asturias. These losses represented a significant economic blow as these areas fell into rebel hands. Thousands of people fled the region, initiating a mass exodus into areas still held by the Republic.

Forward to the Mediterranean (November 1937 – June 1938)

By late 1937, the Republicans still held onto the possibility of winning the war.