Spanish Civil War: Nationalists vs. Republicans
National Zone
Military Uprising and National Defense Council
The lack of clarity regarding the rebels’ defined political project was evident. Among them was an amalgam of tendencies, including Carlists, Monarchists, Falangists, and Cedistas.
- Following the uprising, the military established the National Defense Council in Burgos. This council functioned as a sovereign power, declaring a state of war, coordinating military operations, assuming directorial duties, and initiating the repeal of republican laws. Economically, they attempted expropriations, returning land to previous owners.
Franco’s Rise and the Unification Decree
- In August 1936, following the accidental death of Sanjurgo, the need for a unified command led to the proclamation of Franco as Generalissimo. His initial act was the formation of the State Technical Board, comprising military and civilian members under his supervision. This state lacked political and ideological articulation, a responsibility that fell upon his brother-in-law, Ramón Serrano Súñer. The first step involved integrating all forces under Franco’s leadership through the Unification Decree (April 1937). This decree merged the Falange Española de las JONS (FET de las JONS) with the Traditionalists, establishing Franco as the sole leader. Other parties subsequently joined the insurgent side.
The Falange, under Manuel Hedilla, attempted to retain its essence, but Hedilla faced accusations and arrest. This crisis solidified Franco’s authority. A new constitution was published, declaring Franco answerable only to God and history.
Franco’s First Government
- Franco’s first government, formed in January 1938, established the new regime’s political structure. It included representation from all rebel factions: the army (holding three portfolios), followed by Traditionalists and the Church. This marked the commencement of a new national government, with power concentrated entirely in Franco’s hands.
Republican Zone
Divisions and Dilemmas
Historians attribute the Republican defeat partly to their initial divisions. The central dilemma was prioritizing winning the war or advancing the revolution.
- Organizations like the POUM and the CNT advocated for prioritizing the revolution, conducting experiments in collectivization and libertarian communism.
- Groups like the PCE and a socialist sector prioritized winning the war, postponing revolutionary goals. This stance led to the demise of collectives and centralized government decisions. The POUM and anarchists’ refusal to support this approach resulted in severe crises and conflicts.
In Catalonia and Aragon, with a strong anarchist presence, businesses and lands were managed by workers’ committees, driven by the idea of achieving revolution to win the war. Conversely, Socialists, Republicans, and Communists favored nationalizing the means of production under centralized control for a war economy.
Political Developments and Leadership Changes
The political landscape in the Republican zone was complex.
- Initially, the government was led by José Giral (Republican Left), while local committees and councils held real power, which the government had to acknowledge.
- Later, Francisco Largo Caballero (PSOE) assumed leadership, incorporating all Popular Front groups with CNT anarchist support. Largo Caballero aimed to reorganize the state for war, expropriating insurgent properties, seeking international support, militarizing militias, reclaiming scattered power, and reordering the territory.
- In May 1937, clashes erupted in Barcelona between CNT and POUM militias and the government (which prevailed). The revolutionary trend was defeated, leading to Largo Caballero’s resignation. Juan Negrín (PSOE) became president, strengthening the state to prevent revolutionary attempts, relying on the PCE (with its efficient army model) and Soviet aid.
Negrín’s Thirteen Points and the Munich Pact
Negrín’s “Thirteen Points,” a final attempt to negotiate peace with the Nationalists, were categorically rejected by Franco.
Following successive defeats, the government’s sole hope rested on a clash between British and French democracies and Hitler’s Germany. However, the Munich Pact in October 1938, transferring Czechoslovakia to Germany, shattered the Republicans’ last chance of victory.
Internal Conflicts and Collapse
Negrín’s government’s slogan of resisting at all costs until the impending European conflict wasn’t universally understood among Republican combatants. Some, like Colonel Casado (integrated professional army), Socialist leaders like Besteiro, and anarchist fighters like Cipriano Mera, favored surrendering to Franco, hoping for honorable treatment. This led to internal fighting in Madrid and the collapse of Republican resistance in the center.