Spanish Civil War: Military Uprising, Conflict, and Stages
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Stages and Evolution
The military conspiracy that led to the Spanish Civil War began after the Popular Front’s victory in the 1936 elections. This event, combined with Spain’s 19th-century tradition of military coups, triggered the conflict. The return of the Left to power was a key factor, recalling General Sanjurjo’s earlier coup attempt and the movements of Generals Fanjul, Goded, Franco, and Yagüe between December 1935 and February 1936.
The conspirators had the support of Alfonsine monarchists, Carlists, and the extreme right (fascists). On July 17, 1936, the coup began. Regular troops and the Legion, under General Yagüe’s command, crossed from Morocco to the peninsula. General Mola led troops in the north (Navarra), Goded took charge in the Balearic Islands and Castile and León, and Queipo de Llano initiated operations from Andalusia. Initially, spontaneous militias stormed the Montaña Barracks, a center of the uprising in Madrid. Subsequently, the army was called in. Spain was divided, marking the beginning of the Civil War, which lasted until April 1, 1939.
Phase 1: July 1936 – November 1936
This stage involved several military columns from both sides. The militias were supported by Vicente Rojo, while General Franco led the rebels. The main objective was to capture Madrid. Mola was arrested by the militia in his attempt to enter the north. Troops coming from the south, led by Yagüe and Franco, had a better chance of reaching Madrid. Moscardó was besieged in the Alcázar of Toledo, delaying the rebel troops and allowing the Republican forces to reorganize.
Phase 2: November 1936 – March 1937
The conflict became a war of attrition due to Madrid’s unexpected resistance. The city was bombed and attacked by air, with all entries blocked except the road to Valencia. The Madrid Defense Board, chaired by Miaja and supported by Commander Rojo, received the first international reinforcements. When the city did not fall, Franco decided to lay siege, resulting in three battles:
- The Road from La Coruña, closing the exit to the mountains.
- The Jarama, an attempt to take the east, where the rebels were defeated.
- Guadalajara, where Franco also fell despite receiving support from troops sent by Mussolini.
Phase 3: March 1937 – March 1938
Franco attacked the Republican-held north due to its industrial and mining infrastructure. Vizcaya, Santander, and Asturias were easily taken. This stage included the bombing of Guernica. The rebuilt Republican Army launched several offensives to delay Franco’s progress toward Madrid. Battles took place in Brunete and Belchite (Zaragoza), resulting in Franco’s victory. After the Battle of Teruel, the Republicans briefly took the town for a month.
Phase 4: March 1938 – February 1939
This was the bloodiest phase of the war, featuring the Battle of the Ebro. Franco swept through Aragon, intending to cross the river, take Castellón, and enter Catalonia. Republican forces launched an attack across the river. Prime Minister Juan Negrín’s intention was to prolong the conflict. The Battle of the Ebro ultimately broke the Popular Army. After this battle, Franco conquered Catalonia, marking the largest campaign of the Civil War. The government in Catalonia was forced into exile, along with many civilians and troops loyal to the Republic.
Phase 5: February 1939 – April 1939
Negrín decided to return to Spain to prolong the war, but this decision clashed with the ideas of military and Republican politicians remaining in Madrid. This group, led by Colonel Casado, organized a coup in March 1939, intending to hand over the remaining Republican-held areas to Franco, thus ending a conflict that was causing unnecessary casualties.