The Spanish Civil War: A Summary of Events
The Spanish Civil War
Military Developments
Stages of the Conflict
The rebel army held the strategic initiative from the outset. The first day consolidated fronts in the Sierra de Madrid, Andalusia, and Aragon, which remained relatively stable throughout the conflict.
1) The Madrid Campaign
The rebels awaited the transfer of the Army of Africa. The loyalist fleet controlled the Strait of Gibraltar, but German and Italian aid allowed rebel troops to land. They gradually occupied parts of Andalusia and Extremadura, eventually reaching Toledo and Madrid. Madrid met unexpected resistance from its population, despite bombings and Italo-German air raids. General Miaja led the defense. In the following months, Franco failed to encircle Madrid by cutting roads to Coruña and Valencia (Battle of the Jarama) and Barcelona (Battle of Guadalajara).
2) The Northern Campaign
The failure to take Madrid forced Franco to conquer the industrial north between Vizcaya and Asturias. Mola aimed to isolate the Basque Country from France. The bombing of Guernica and other towns caused international outrage as the first massive attack on a civilian population. After Bilbao fell, Franco revoked the Basque Statute. Mola died in a plane crash. The Republican battles of Brunete and Belchite were futile, and the Republic lost vital mining and industrial resources, leading the government to move to Barcelona in November.
3) The Levant Operations
After conquering the north, Franco returned to Madrid, but the Republicans launched the Teruel offensive. Many Spaniards went into exile.
4) The End of the War
The fall of Catalonia encouraged surrender. Some sectors rebelled against the Negrín government. After two months of fighting, Republican forces were weakened, easing Franco’s occupation of Aragon and the Mediterranean, dividing Spain. During the following months, the Republicans failed in the Battle of the Ebro. With the Republic weakened, Franco launched the Catalonia campaign. Barcelona fell, and the National Defense Council proposed surrender, but Franco demanded unconditional terms. Rebel troops entered Madrid on March 28, and the Republic signed the surrender on April 1.
Political Evolution
The Republican Zone
Representative institutions remained until the end. The coup unleashed a social revolution. The Republic faced chaos. Union and party militias resisted. A social revolution began, redistributing land and collectivizing companies. Largo Caballero formed a Popular Front government, including anarchists. Anarchists aimed to win the war through revolution. After the Barcelona insurrection failed, Negrín, a moderate socialist, restored state authority. His Thirteen Points peace plan was rejected by Franco. Negrín resigned in February 1939. Colonel Casado formed the National Defense Council to seek peace, but Franco thwarted the plan.
The Rebel Zone
From the start, the military imposed a state of war. The political project was a military dictatorship, primarily organized by Mola.