Spanish Civil War: Political Shifts and Aftermath
Political Developments in the Two Zones of the Spanish Civil War
Republican Spain
July-September 1936
During this period, four different heads of government served under President Azaña. Widespread disorder prevailed, with workers and peasants being armed, leading to the formation of committees at every level. Frequent strikes and general unrest hindered military operations.
September 1936 – May 1937
Largo Caballero was elected as Prime Minister, forming a government of concentration that included representatives from each party, including anarchists. The government moved to Valencia. This was a highly revolutionary period, marked by:
- Nationalization of key industries: CAMPSA, rail, power, and communications were brought under state control.
- Legalization of land occupations: Approximately 4 million hectares of land were redistributed to peasants.
- Seizure of abandoned industrial companies: Around 20,000 companies were seized.
- Collectivization of property: Almost complete collectivization occurred, with the concept of private property being largely abolished.
- Creation of mixed brigades: The army was integrated with civilian volunteers.
- Momentum for simultaneous war and revolution: This was championed by the CNT and FAI.
May 1937
Largo Caballero’s government fell, and the more moderate socialist, Negrín, took over. The dominant idea shifted towards halting the revolution and focusing on winning the war. A strong state was established without the participation of anarcho-syndicalists. Key policies included:
- Disciplining the army: A unified command structure was implemented.
- Increased authority and centralization: Power was consolidated at the state level.
- Respect for private property: Confiscations and expropriations were halted to attract the middle class and bourgeoisie to the Republican cause.
- State intervention in the economy: This led to high inflation and difficulties in obtaining food and fuel.
The Republicans hoped for a protracted resistance, anticipating that the outbreak of World War II would draw international attention to the Spanish conflict.
Recent Months
Internal conflict arose, culminating in a coup d’état against Negrín.
Consequences of the Spanish Civil War
Political Consequences
- Annihilation of the Republic: Supporters of the Republic faced persecution, purges, executions (including summary trials), and imprisonment.
- Establishment of a new authoritarian state: A military dictatorship was established under General Franco, who assumed the title of “Caudillo,” equivalent to “Duce” or “Führer.”
- Irreconcilable division between the two Spains: This division would persist for a long time.
Demographic Consequences
Estimates vary, but approximately 300,000 people were killed in combat, bombings, and political reprisals. Repression was carried out in both zones, in a disorganized manner in the Republican zone (e.g., Paracuellos del Jarama under Carrillo, the trial and execution of José Antonio Primo de Rivera for being a Falangist) and more systematically in the Nationalist zone to instill fear in the enemy. Political leaders, union members, teachers, Republican authorities (e.g., the poet Lorca), peasants, and workers were executed without trial. The Church suffered severe persecution, with an estimated 16,000 clergy members killed. Additionally, around 400,000 people went into exile, including children sent to the USSR (from the Basque and Cantabrian regions) and others who fled to France.
Economic Consequences
The country was left in ruins, with many regions devastated. Economic prostration ensued, with over 200,000 homes destroyed, along with parts of the road and rail network. Spain’s gold reserves, held in Moscow, were depleted.
Cultural Consequences
The war had devastating consequences for education and culture. Numerous scholars, artists, and writers were exiled or killed, including Lorca, Blas Infante, Machado, and Picasso.
Note: Nearly one million exiles who fled to France faced open hostility and were placed in open-air camps without adequate food, blankets, or medical assistance. Mexico accepted only intellectuals, doctors, and teachers, while the British refused to accept Spanish refugees. After the Nazi occupation of France in 1940, approximately 20,000 Spanish exiles were sent to extermination camps.