Spanish History: Uprising, Franco, and Islamic Rule
Tema 12: Military Uprising of 1936
In 1936, clashes between the right and left wings resulted in numerous murders and bombings. The military coup, led by Sanjurjo and Mola, involved Falangists and Carlists. On July 17, the Army of Africa revolted, succeeding in Seville, Galicia, Castile, Navarre, half of Aragon, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. The National Army comprised regulars, the Legion (the most professional and prepared force), many generals, and about half of the officers. They received aid from Italy and Germany, including materials, high-quality instructors, and financial support. The Republic held the major cities, most of the army, but few officers and leaders. The navy was superior, but its operational commanders were dismissed, and officer numbers dwindled. External assistance came from the Soviet Union (tanks and planes) and the International Brigades.
Phases of the War
1936:
An airlift from Seville to Extremadura was delayed by the siege of the Alcázar of Toledo, consequently arriving late to fortify Madrid. International Brigades defended Madrid.
1937:
Franco’s Italian troops failed in their attack on Guadalajara. He then shifted focus from Madrid to the Basque Country, which fell. The first counteroffensive at Brunete occurred. Santander fell, followed by the second counteroffensive at Belchite. After Santander’s fall, the Republican administration retreated to Barcelona. Republicans took Teruel, temporarily halting military operations.
1938:
Nationalists retook Teruel, advanced to Vinaròs, and reached Lleida and Sagunto. The Republican zone was split into two: north and south of Barcelona. France opened its border, allowing the Republic to purchase weapons, anticipating World War II. In a final attempt to break the siege, the Republic launched the Battle of the Ebro, losing crucial weaponry and demoralizing the army.
1939:
The Non-Intervention Committee forced foreign troops to leave. Catalonia fell around March. Confrontations arose between Republican factions. Madrid surrendered to Franco without resistance. The war ended on April 1.
Evolution of the Two Camps
The war began with widespread repression and killings on both sides. The Church sided with the coup. Franco consolidated military and political power. José Antonio Primo de Rivera was executed in Alicante. Serrano Suñer brought some order to the Nationalist administration. The Republican side, under Largo Caballero and then Negrín, struggled to unify its factions. Giral’s arms deliveries to workers’ committees weakened government control. Largo Caballero attempted to strengthen the state against labor organizations without success. Negrín focused on resistance, hoping for the outbreak of World War II, which came six months later.
Tema 14: The Franco Regime: The Blue Period
On September 29, 1939, Franco became Head of State, Head of Government, and Generalissimo of the Armed Forces. The Unification Decree merged the Falange and Carlists. Serrano Suñer initiated state reconstruction and formed the first government in 1938. The Vertical Union was created in 1940, followed by the National Council of the Falange and the Cortes in 1942. Franco was answerable only to God and history. Censorship was enforced, and the government controlled education. The Falange’s influence waned by 1941, culminating in a clash with Carlists, prompting a government reshuffle.
Time of Isolation and Recovery
Falangist symbols disappeared, remaining only for internal use. France closed its border with Spain. The USSR demanded harsher measures against the regime. Only Portugal (under Salazar) and Argentina (under Perón) maintained relations. Between 1945 and 1948, the opposition lost valuable time; the first government-in-exile formed in 1948, after the Cold War’s outbreak, when democratic governments were less inclined to assist. France reopened its borders, ambassadors returned, and Spain joined UN agencies (1955), including UNESCO. A concordat with the Holy See was signed, and a treaty with the US (never ratified) followed. Internal opposition included the Maquis and an attempt to restore the monarchy with Don Juan. Don Juan’s refusal led to his son’s education as future king. The 1945 Fuero de los Españoles granted limited rights. In 1954, elections were held, and Ruiz-Jiménez initiated a cultural opening, which was curtailed after student demonstrations and clashes with the Falange. Ruiz-Jiménez and university rectors were dismissed, and universities closed. This led to a governmental shift, bringing Opus Dei technocrats to power and initiating the “Spanish miracle.”
The Emirate and the Caliphate
The Emirate:
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