The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Causes and Consequences
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Origins and International Repercussions
In 1936, the deep contradictions of Spanish society culminated in an armed confrontation. This conflict marked a departure from the democratic path and resulted in a dictatorship lasting almost 40 years, isolating Spain from European democracies.
Military Uprising and International Conflict
The causes were:
- Remote Cause: The manner in which the liberal revolution was conducted in Spain, the army’s frequent intervention, and the country’s limited modernization.
- Proximate Causes: The economic and social crisis triggered by the 1929 Crack, the rise of fascism, and the Bolshevik Revolution. In Spain, the Republic opted for reformism but failed to resolve issues amidst the growing radicalization of both left and right-wing factions.
- Military Conspiracies: Various conspiracies against the Republic led to several coup attempts. Following the Popular Front’s victory, a meeting took place between Mola and Franco, where the doctrines of the Falange were codified. They found support among the most conservative, anti-Republican officers. Mola transmitted his orders through his celebrated, reserved instructions, backed by all anti-Republican groups, their militias, and the Falange. Mola aimed to establish a military dictatorship to eliminate the perceived threat of a communist revolution within the Army.
- A minority of officers loyal to the Republic had formed the Republican Anti-Fascist Military Union.
- The assassination of Calvo Sotelo by a left-wing extremist served as the trigger for the revolt. The military insurrection spread throughout the peninsula, dividing it into two zones: success in rural Spain, the Canary Islands, Mallorca, and Ibiza; failure in the industrialized north and east of Spain.
The division of the country originated the Civil War, where both sides consolidated with different social supports:
- The rebels were backed by conservative military personnel, landowners, Carlists, and monarchists (the “Nationals”).
- Those loyal to the Republic were supported by workers, employees, landless peasants, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the middle class (the “Reds”).
The forces involved were:
- The Republic controlled mining and industrial areas, and the Bank of Spain’s gold reserves were used for financing.
- The rebels controlled significant land resources and had the support of the majority of the army, as well as fascist and Carlist militias.
The Republic was supported by the progressive democratic world, which identified the struggle to defend the Republic with the fight against fascism. The rebels were supported by European fascists and international Catholic groups.
The international aspect of the war is evident in two key aspects:
- The Establishment of Non-Intervention: Britain pressured France not to interfere, aiming to prevent a world war. The Non-Intervention Committee, established in 1936, proved ineffective. It continued despite providing aid. Key milestones include:
- 1936-37: Monitoring aid without significant results.
- 1938: Voluntary withdrawal of international forces.
- 1939: Recognition of Franco’s regime.
- External Aid: This consisted of volunteers and military armaments. The Republic faced difficulties obtaining military supplies. The rebels received military aid from Germany and Italy, paying for it with minerals and other resources.