Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): Causes and International Dimensions
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
Causes of the Civil War
To explain the Spanish Civil War (SCW), two main theories exist:
- The theory of war as a result of a fascist intervention (Left perspective).
- The theory of war as justification to stop the international communist advance (Right perspective).
However, the SCW was ultimately the result of many complex factors.
The Military Uprising
A group of monarchists and conservatives, supported by other right-wing military figures, prepared a conspiracy following the Popular Front victory in the February elections. Consequently, the government attempted to neutralize suspects:
- General Mola was sent to Navarre.
- Franco was sent to the Canary Islands.
- Goded was sent to the Balearic Islands.
The assassination of Assault Guard Lieutenant Castillo on July 12 was followed the next day by the retaliatory kidnapping and execution of conservative leader José Calvo Sotelo by Castillo’s teammates. This incident served as the pretext for the military to launch the uprising, which was scheduled for July 18.
The coup was directed by General Mola, although the initial action was launched by Franco in Ceuta and Melilla on July 17. The revolt spread across the peninsula the following day. In the early days, two main rebel zones were established: a northern zone (from Galicia to Navarre) and a southern zone (Western Andalusia, Morocco, and the Canary Islands).
Initial Strengths of the Factions
It is important to note the initial distribution of resources:
- The Republicans (Loyalists) controlled the more industrialized areas, larger population centers, and the gold reserves of the Bank of Spain. They possessed more ships and planes, but their army was significantly weaker, composed mostly of volunteers.
- The Rebels (Nationalists) controlled more agricultural and less populated areas, but they possessed superior military forces, including the highly effective Army of Africa (notably the Spanish Legion and the Native Regulars).
The coup was exclusively a military initiative, aiming to implement an authoritarian regime compatible with the Republic. However, what was intended as a quick strike quickly escalated into a prolonged civil war.
The International Dimension of the Conflict
Historians present two differing approaches regarding the Spanish Civil War’s international role:
- It is considered a continuation or prelude to the Second World War.
- It is reduced to a marginal conflict.
Aid to the Rebels (Nationalists)
The countries that directly supported the military uprising maintained fascist or similar regimes:
- Nazi Germany (Hitler): Provided significant military aid, notably the Condor Legion aviation unit. Germany contributed troops, planes, and economic support.
- Fascist Italy (Mussolini): Provided the largest number of men and substantial economic aid. The role of the Italian army was crucial.
- Portuguese Estado Novo: Offered diplomatic support and volunteers (known as Viriatos).
- The Catholic Church: Provided moral and political support.
Aid to the Republic (Loyalists)
The Republic received military assistance primarily from the Soviet Union and Mexico:
- The Soviet Union: Supplied the first major aid package, starting in October 1936 and continuing until the war’s end.
- Mexico (Lázaro Cárdenas): Supplied arms, food, and diplomatic support, though its economic aid was comparatively lower.
- Participation of International Brigades: These units were organized by communist leaders, often with Soviet intervention. They comprised around 60,000 volunteers from over 60 nationalities.
Ambiguous International Attitudes
The term “ambiguous attitudes” refers to the stance taken by certain international organizations (such as the League of Nations or the Non-Intervention Committee) and the major democratic powers that had participated in World War I (France, Great Britain, and the USA).
The League of Nations and the Non-Intervention Committee
The League of Nations was created after World War I with the objective of calming international conflicts. However, when the conflict broke out in Spain, the Republic did not operate effectively. The League did not attempt to sanction its members (Italy and Germany) for their involvement in Spain.
After waiting a year since the conflict began, no resolution was applied prohibiting the sale or transit of arms to Spain. This failure led to the creation of the Committee of Non-Intervention. Its objective was to prevent the conflict from becoming internationalized and to stop foreign military support, including aid to the Republic. However, the Committee’s work ultimately failed.