Key Figures and Events of the Spanish Civil War and Transition
Josep Tarradellas (1899-1988)
A young Catalan politician, Tarradellas served as Secretary General of Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya upon its creation in 1931. He held ministerial positions in the Catalan government until 1933. Prosecuted for his involvement in the events of October 1934, he returned to the Catalan government during the Spanish Civil War. After the war, he exiled to France, eventually becoming President of the Generalitat in 1954. Following the 1977 elections, he negotiated the restoration of the Generalitat with Adolfo Suárez and served as its president until 1980.
The Battle of the Ebro (1938)
The Battle of the Ebro, a pivotal battle of the Spanish Civil War, began with the Republican Army’s surprise offensive across the Ebro River in July 1938. Franco’s Nationalist forces reacted swiftly, ultimately defeating the Republican troops by November 1938.
CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Rights)
Founded in Madrid in 1933, CEDA was a Catholic political party that opposed the policies of Manuel Azaña. Led by José María Gil Robles, the party gained significant influence after the 1933 elections. The inclusion of CEDA ministers in the government in October 1934 sparked uprisings, notably in Asturias and Catalonia. Following the 1936 elections, CEDA’s opposition to leftist politics intensified.
The Spanish Constitution of 1978
Following Franco’s death in 1975, King Juan Carlos I initiated the transition to democracy. The 1977 Political Reform Act paved the way for free elections, and the newly elected Cortes drafted the Constitution of 1978. Ratified by referendum, this constitution established a parliamentary monarchy with recognition of regional autonomy.
Decree of Unification (1937)
Issued by Franco during the Spanish Civil War, this decree unified the Nationalist forces under the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS. This organization, also known as the National Movement, initially held totalitarian and fascist characteristics.
Statute of Autonomy
The Statute of Autonomy is a legal instrument granting self-governance to a region. The first Statute of Autonomy for Catalonia, granted in 1932 under the Second Republic, was repealed in 1938. The 1978 Constitution reinstated the concept, leading to statutes for the 17 autonomous communities.
ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna)
ETA, a Basque nationalist terrorist organization, emerged in the 1950s. Initially focused on Basque liberation through armed struggle, ETA began committing acts of violence in 1968. After the establishment of democracy, the organization splintered, with some factions abandoning violence while others continued terrorist activities.
Falange
Founded by José Antonio Primo de Rivera in 1933, the Falange was an anti-liberal, anti-Marxist, nationalist, and totalitarian movement. It merged with other groups in 1934 to form the Falange Española de las JONS. While the Falange’s role intensified during the Civil War, its ideology was never fully implemented.
Popular Front
The Popular Front, an electoral alliance of republican and worker parties (socialists, communists, and anarchists), formed for the 1936 elections to counter the rise of right-wing groups. Their victory led to Manuel Azaña’s appointment as Prime Minister.
Fuero de los Españoles (1945)
One of the Fundamental Laws of the Franco regime, the Fuero de los Españoles outlined individual rights, but their exercise was subject to government discretion.
July 18, 1936
This date marks the beginning of the military uprising against the Republic, led by General Franco. While the revolt spread over several days, July 18th became a symbolic date for the Franco regime.
April 1, 1939
This date signifies the end of the Spanish Civil War, with Franco declaring the defeat of the Republican Army.
November 20, 1975
This date marks the death of Francisco Franco, ending his nearly 40-year dictatorship.
1978
This year saw the approval of the democratic constitution by the Spanish people, establishing a constitutional monarchy with decentralized power and regional recognition.
February 23, 1981
This date marks the attempted coup d’état led by Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero and others. King Juan Carlos’s firm stance in defense of democracy thwarted the coup.
Carlos Arias Navarro (1908-1989)
A lawyer and politician, Arias Navarro served in various government positions during the Franco regime, including Minister of the Interior and Prime Minister. He was unable to implement the reforms sought by the monarchy and was dismissed by King Juan Carlos in 1976.
Manuel Azaña Díaz (1880-1940)
A politician and writer, Azaña served as Minister of War, Prime Minister, and President of the Republic during the Second Republic. His reformist policies earned him both support and opposition. He resigned and went into exile after the Civil War.
José Calvo Sotelo (1893-1936)
A monarchist politician, Calvo Sotelo held various positions during the Primo de Rivera dictatorship. His criticism of leftist policies and his assassination in 1936 contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo (1926-2008)
A politician and engineer, Calvo Sotelo served as a minister under Arias Navarro and Adolfo Suárez. He became Prime Minister in 1981 following Suárez’s resignation.
Luis Carrero Blanco (1903-1973)
A close aide to Franco, Carrero Blanco served as a minister and admiral. He was appointed Prime Minister in 1973 but was assassinated by ETA six months later.