Spanish Civil War: Maps and Social Impact (1936-1938)
Spanish Civil War (1936-1938)
July 1936: Initial Situation
The first map illustrates the situation in Spain at the start of the war. Republican territory (white) included Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, the Mediterranean coast from Catalonia to Malaga, Castilla La Nueva (including Madrid), most of eastern Andalusia, and parts of Extremadura and Granada. Nationalist territory (black) encompassed Galicia, Castilla y León, Álava, La Rioja, Navarra, western Aragon (including Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel), western Andalusia, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the North African protectorate.
Late 1937: Shifting Territories
The second map depicts the situation in late 1937. Nationalist forces, aided by German air support, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, occupied western Extremadura, advanced through the Tagus valley and Toledo, and reached Madrid. Battles at Jarama (February 1937) and Guadalajara (March 1937) were fought to control communication lines. Nationalists secured Málaga, connecting eastern and western Andalusia. General Mola occupied San Sebastian and the Basque-French border, isolating the Cantabrian Republican territory. A Nationalist offensive, supported by the German air force, targeted the Basque Country, resulting in the bombing of Durango and Guernica. Italian troops captured Santander and advanced towards Asturias and Gijón. Republican offensives at Brunete and Belchite failed.
Late 1938: Republican Territory Divided
The third map shows the situation in late 1938. A Republican offensive in Teruel was countered by Nationalist forces. Franco then launched an offensive towards the Ebro valley, aiming to reach the Mediterranean. He attacked the Aragon front and the Segre valley, capturing Lleida and reaching the Mediterranean at Castellón, dividing Republican territory. The Battle of the Ebro, a Republican attempt to halt the Nationalist advance, resulted in a Republican retreat, opening the way for the Nationalists to advance on Catalonia and Valencia. Following the battle, Nationalist bombing of Catalan cities intensified, leading to the fall of Tarragona and Barcelona.
Social Support and Opposition
Franco’s support base included those aligned with traditional Spain, who felt threatened by the leftist policies of the Second Republic. The landed, industrial, and financial oligarchy regained their property and accumulated wealth. Franco also gained support among the middle classes, who valued order and traditional values. The regime relied on the subordination of the conquered population and implemented a policy of terror in regions with strong Republican support, such as southern agricultural regions, mining areas, and industrial areas in the Basque Country and Catalonia. Widespread opposition to the dictatorship was difficult to organize due to repression.
As the war ended, nearly half a million people fled into exile, primarily to France. Many who returned were imprisoned in concentration camps. Others sought refuge in the Americas, where the Republican elite was welcomed. The new regime established a police state, restoring the death penalty and purging officials. An atmosphere of persecution persisted, with the Falange playing a key role in surveillance and censorship.
The Army and National Patriotism
The military regime’s ideology was centered on nacionalpatriotismo, a unitary and traditionalist vision of Spain. Defense of territorial integrity was paramount, and regional particularism was suppressed. The army, deeply influenced by totalitarian ideas, was the regime’s main pillar. Franco, as Generalissimo, surrounded himself with military figures in high government positions.