The Spanish Civil War: A Summary
MAP 1 – The Military Revolt (July 17, 1936)
The revolt began on July 17, 1936, in the garrison at Melilla. Similar uprisings occurred in Ceuta and Tetouan that afternoon. By the 18th, Franco had taken control of the Army of Africa. On October 19th, the revolt succeeded in Pamplona, led by Mola. This was the only location where the coup received widespread support. Many other Spanish cities joined the uprising.
The coup was successful in North Africa, the Balearic Islands (except Menorca), and most of Castile and Leon. It also saw success in some cities in Galicia, Andalusia, and Extremadura. However, it failed in other important areas, including Asturias, Oviedo, Vizcaya, Guipuzkoa, and Castile-La Mancha. Most importantly, it failed in Madrid and Barcelona.
Economic Forces:
- The Republic controlled several industrial regions and had reserves of wheat, crops, and cereals in various cities on the Iberian Peninsula. They also controlled the gold reserves of the Bank of Spain.
- The Republic’s military forces consisted of the aviation fleet, which remained loyal.
- The rebel side had several intact divisions in Castile, Galicia, and Andalusia, along with the Army of Africa.
Military Forces:
- Rebels: 17 generals, 10,000 officers, and 50,000 soldiers.
- Republic: 22 generals, 7,000 officers, and 33,000 soldiers.
MAP 2 – The Situation from July 1936 to October 1937
Progress Towards Madrid
The rebels aimed to capture Madrid. The attack was planned to occur simultaneously from the north (Mola) and the south (Franco). Mola’s army was stalled in the Somosierra mountain passes but conquered Irun and San Sebastian, isolating the northern Republican zone.
Franco’s army advanced rapidly through Extremadura, capturing Talavera and Toledo on the way to Madrid. This delayed the assault on the capital. In Andalusia, the rebels captured Granada and Huelva. However, the Catalan front saw fewer rebel successes.
In October, Franco assumed both military and political leadership.
Battle Around Madrid
With the rebel advance, the Republican government relocated to Valencia. The defense of Madrid was taken over by the Defense Junta, which organized popular militias and stopped Franco’s advance. Realizing a frontal assault was impossible, Franco decided to encircle Madrid. He ordered attacks on the roads to La Coruña and Guadalajara. Unable to defeat the defenders, Franco made a crucial decision: to concentrate his forces on the weaker northern front. Meanwhile, the rebels, with Italian assistance, captured Malaga.
The Northern Front
Franco focused on the prolonged battle in the north. In Biscay, the Condor Legion conducted bombing raids on towns like Guernica. Mola died in a plane crash before witnessing the fall of Bilbao. Santander fell with the help of Italian troops, leading to repression in Asturias. From May 1937, Juan Negrín led the Republican government. In the summer of 1937, Republican forces launched three poorly coordinated offensives to distract Franco’s troops: in Segovia, La Granja, Belchite, and Brunete.
MAP 3 – The Battle of Teruel and the March to the Mediterranean
To prevent Franco’s attack on Madrid from Guadalajara, the Republicans launched an offensive in Teruel. This was their first successful offensive, initially capturing the city. However, Franco, with artillery and air support, retook Teruel, leading to a Republican collapse and the rebel advance to the Mediterranean.
The Battle of the Ebro
The Battle of the Ebro was launched by the Republican army under General Rojo. They crossed the Ebro River near Tarragona, facing a strong enemy in a bloody and protracted frontal battle. After three months, the Republicans were pushed back. The Battle of the Ebro proved decisive, securing a Nationalist victory.
MAP 4 – February 1939 (Occupation of Catalonia)
Franco began his occupation of Catalonia, capturing Lleida and repealing the Statute of Catalonia. Barcelona fell soon after. For some Republicans, the fall of Barcelona signified the end of the war. Azaña resigned from exile in France, and many chose to flee across the border. Despite the situation, Negrín’s government continued to resist, hoping for a change in the international situation. However, in late February, France and Great Britain recognized Franco’s government.
The End of the War
In late March 1939, Colonel Segismundo Casado led a coup, attempting to negotiate an end to the war. He sought guarantees of safe passage and no reprisals for those who evacuated. However, Franco demanded unconditional surrender. On April 1, 1939, Franco declared victory, marking the end of the Spanish Civil War.