The Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided
The War Stalled Civil
On July 17, 1936, Colonel Yagüe launched a coup against the Republic. This uprising quickly spread through Morocco, with other military units across Spain joining forces with the Falange and the Carlists. Franco, having secured the Canary Islands, returned to mainland Spain to lead the Army of Africa. The Republic’s slow response was due to internal divisions. On July 19, 1936, J. Quiroga replaced the previous government and armed the militias of the Popular Front. Although some of the army remained loyal to the government, the uprising’s success varied regionally, succeeding in the interior but failing in more industrialized areas. The rebels’ expectation of a swift victory was misplaced, leading to a protracted civil war.
Consolidation of the Two Sides
The rebels, comprised of conservative military figures and opponents of the Republic, received support from fascist regimes and identified themselves as Nationalists. However, they lacked unity regarding the post-victory state organization. Those loyal to the Republic consisted mainly of working-class populations influenced by socialist and communist organizations. They were labeled as “Reds” and defended the Republic’s legitimacy.
Significance of the Conflict
The Spanish Civil War became an international clash between democratic forces and fascist regimes. It represented a struggle between the old dominant groups of the Restoration era and emerging worker and bourgeois groups advocating for a democratic political system.
Internationalization of the War
The war deeply divided global opinion. Democratic nations and worker parties favored the Republic, while major democracies and fascist regimes viewed communism as a threat. Both sides sought international support. The Republic appealed to democracies, but their caution, fueled by fear of the conflict spreading, led to limited aid. France convened a Non-Intervention Committee, which 27 countries joined. This, among other factors, contributed to the Republic’s defeat.
Foreign Aid
The Soviet Union provided arms and received the Spanish gold reserves in return. The International Brigades significantly aided the Republican side. However, the rebels benefited most from Hitler’s Condor Legion, which used Spain as a testing ground for new weapons. Italian support included sending a military unit.
The Rebel Zone: The Creation of a Totalitarian State
Francisco Franco: Generalissimo
The accidental death of General Sanjurjo, the initial leader of the coup, and the uprising’s failure to achieve a swift victory led to a prolonged war. On July 24, 1936, the National Defense Board, chaired by Miguel Cabanellas, was established to govern rebel-held territory. Franco consolidated his leadership during the war, particularly after securing recognition and support from Hitler and Mussolini. A decree on October 1, 1936, appointed him Head of State and Generalissimo of the Army.
The Creation of a Single-Party Government
From 1910 to 1936, there was a unified military command but no political union. Other parties were banned. The only permitted political entities were the Spanish Falange and JONS, later unified as the Traditionalist Spanish Falange and of the JONS. Franco became the national head of this single party, adopting the Falange uniform and the Carlist beret. He pursued a strategy of prolonging the war to consolidate power and impose his authority on supporting forces. The institutionalization process culminated in the dissolution of the technical board and the formation of Franco’s government. He was declared the leader of Spain, eliminating all Republican economic, social, and labor policies while maintaining the Church’s influence.
Institutionalized Repression
Systematic and extreme violence was carried out by the Falange, the army, or political authorities against anyone suspected of leftist sympathies.
The Effects of War: Death, Destruction, and Misery
The war resulted in countless deaths on both sides, with many victims of repression and starvation, particularly in the Republican zone. Production drastically declined due to men being conscripted, and much of the infrastructure and communication networks were destroyed. The bombing of civilian populations terrorized communities.
Displaced Population, Refugees, and Exiles
From the war’s outset, civilians on both sides fled their homes, fearing persecution for their political beliefs. Many, primarily women, children, and the elderly, fled east and to Catalonia, hoping to reach France. They faced significant challenges regarding food and accommodation.