Spanish Civil War: Political Transformations in Rival Zones
Political Shifts in Divided Spain
Let’s examine the distinct political developments within the two territories Spain was split into following the military coup.
Developments in the Republican Zone
Initially, a new government led by José Giral was formed on the Republican side. This government made the crucial decision to distribute arms to militias associated with political parties and trade unions to counter the uprising. During the summer and autumn of 1936, the Republican state structure weakened significantly amidst a burgeoning collectivist social revolution. This movement was spearheaded by anarcho-syndicalist groups (CNT, FAI) and received backing from the UGT and the POUM. However, established Republican parties, along with the PSOE and PCE, opposed these revolutionary changes.
Industry and land were collectivized, particularly in Catalonia and areas influenced by anarchist militants such as Aragon, La Mancha, and parts of Andalusia. In numerous locations, revolutionary committees emerged, effectively supplanting existing Republican institutions.
In September 1936, a unity government was established under the leadership of the Socialist Largo Caballero. This government included representatives from various factions: Republicans, socialists, communists, nationalists, and notably, four syndicalist ministers. The primary objectives of this new administration were to integrate the militias into a disciplined new ‘Popular Army’ and dismantle the revolutionary committees. Nevertheless, anarchist groups were hesitant to abandon their collectivization projects and merge their militias into the formal army structure.
This tension culminated in the ‘Barcelona May Days’ of 1937, a fierce power struggle. The conflict pitted factions supporting the ongoing revolution (CNT and POUM) against the Generalitat government (backed by PSUC and ERC), which opposed it. The violent clashes ended with the defeat of the anarchists and the POUM, leading to a cabinet crisis and the dissolution of Largo Caballero’s government.
Subsequently, a new government headed by Socialist Juan Negrín took power. This administration featured a strong communist (PCE) presence but lacked representation from the major unions, UGT and CNT. Negrín’s policy centered on intensifying the military effort and advocating resistance until victory. Despite this hardline stance, his government also proposed a 13-point program (‘Trece Puntos’) aimed at facilitating a potential negotiated end to the conflict. However, this approach was ultimately challenged by Colonel Casado, who led a military uprising in March 1939. Casado sought direct negotiations with Franco, an offer Franco promptly rejected.
Developments in the Nationalist Zone
Concurrently, the territory controlled by the rebels saw the gradual construction of a totalitarian state. The diverse political forces supporting the ‘uprising’ lacked a unified vision, which resulted in their acceptance of military dominance and leadership. Following the death of General Sanjurjo, who was initially expected to lead the rebellion, a National Defense Council was formed. Chaired by General Cabanellas, this council suspended the constitution and prohibited political party activities.
In October 1936, Francisco Franco was designated the supreme political leader (‘Head of Government of the State’) and military commander (‘Generalissimo’) of the emerging state. By early 1937, after Franco’s forces failed to capture Madrid quickly, it became clear the war would be prolonged. This prompted Franco to adjust his military strategy, initiating the Northern Campaign. He also recognized the need for political consolidation on the Nationalist side.
In April 1937, the Decree of Unification was enacted. This decree forcibly merged the main political groups supporting the rebellion, the Falange Española and the Carlist Comunión Tradicionalista, into a single entity: the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS (FET y de las JONS). This new state party was placed under Franco’s direct personal control.
The institutional framework of the new regime continued to develop with the formation of its first formal government in January 1938, also presided over by Franco. Even before the war concluded, foundational laws were passed, including the Fuero del Trabajo (Labor Charter) and the Law of Political Responsibilities. These laws established mechanisms for repression against Republicans, which continued long after the conflict ended.