Causes and International Intervention in the Spanish Civil War

Posted on May 14, 2025 in History

Reasons for the Coup

  • The attempt to end the economic and social reforms of the left-wing Republican groups had created many enemies.
  • The desire to restore public order.
  • The desire to end the autonomous regions to unify the state.
  • The fear of a proletarian revolution.
  • The Army’s desire to return to political life.
  • The defense of traditional Catholic values against secular history.

The Conspiracy

Since the Popular Front won the elections, several different general trends began planning a conspiracy against the Republican government. Various social and political sectors in Spain contributed to its consolidation:

  • UME: A semi-clandestine organization that considered a military coup to overthrow the Republic.
  • The monarchists, who wanted a “new” monarchy.
  • La Falange and the Carlists.
  • The Spanish oligarchy, which feared a social revolution.

Organization of the Coup

The coup was organized, led, and planned exclusively by:

  • General Emilio Mola, who had been sent to Pamplona on suspicion of coups, was the chief organizer.
  • General Sanjurjo, in exile in Portugal after the Sanjurjada, was designated to preside over the military directory to be created after the coup.
  • General Franco, who joined the conspiracy at the last minute after much persuasion.

Objective of the Coup

The objective of the coup was to establish a model identical to the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera, establishing an authoritarian power to remove the Republican Government and suspend constitutional freedoms. But both the conspirators and the government were guilty of a lack of anticipation regarding what would happen:

  • The rebels expected a brief coup because they thought the Republicans would offer little resistance.
  • The Republican government relied too much on its strength and did not take appropriate measures to prevent conflict.

The Uprising Begins

The uprising began on July 17th in Morocco. Franco moved from the Canary Islands to Morocco and took command of the rebellion. On July 18th and 19th, Seville and Cadiz joined the uprising, which then spread throughout the peninsula.

  • Triumphed in agricultural regions: Galicia, the northern plateau, Navarra, Aragon, part of Andalusia, and the Balearic Islands (except Minorca).
  • Failed in the rest of the country (areas with more workers).

Outcome of the Failed Coup

The coup did not succeed as it failed its purpose, leading to the division of Spain into two zones and the outbreak of a civil war with the following characteristics:

  • Cruelty, visceral mutual hatred, and a desire for mutual extermination.
  • The intervention of Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union turned it into a war involving tanks and planes, bombed cities, and pitting Democrats and Communists against Fascists.

The European press often portrayed a Republican victory as leading to communism, while the Nationalists were presented as fighting fascism.

International Response and Non-Intervention

At the initiative of Britain, the Non-Intervention Committee was formed, joined by Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, and Portugal. The committee prohibited intervention by these countries on both sides. However, this was largely ignored, as Germany, Italy, and Portugal cooperated with the Nationalists, and the USSR aided the Republicans.

Foreign Intervention on the Nationalist Side

Italy and Germany aided the rebels for three main reasons:

  • The Civil War served as practice for World War II.
  • Ideological sympathy with the rebels.
  • Supporting Franco would secure an ally for World War II.

Each country provided aid as follows:

  • Germany: Aid included the sale of arms and naval blockades to prevent Republican resupply. The most significant contribution was the “Legion Condor.”
  • Italy: Offered a corps of 40,000 men and weapons.
  • Morocco: The Army of Africa, composed of “Regulares” and the “Foreign Legion,” was transported to the mainland by Italian and German aircraft and ships.
  • Portugal: Provided logistical support and served as a route for Italian and German weapons. The volunteer unit “Viriato” also fought for the Nationalists.
  • The Papacy: Provided significant diplomatic support to the rebels, encouraging Catholics worldwide to support what the Church termed the Spanish Crusade (La Cruzada).

Foreign Intervention on the Republican Side

The Republicans received aid from:

  • The USSR: Provided food and weapons clandestinely, paid for with gold reserves from the Bank of Spain.
  • The International Brigades: An army of anti-fascist civilian volunteers from around the world who participated in key battles until they were withdrawn by Prime Minister Juan Negrín in Barcelona.
  • Mexico: Supplied ammunition and hosted numerous Republican exiles.