Spanish Civil War: A Precursor to WWII

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

A Precursor to World War II

On July 18, 1936, a military rebellion against the Second Spanish Republic ignited the Spanish Civil War, a conflict foreshadowing World War II. This war became a battleground for fascism, communism, and democracy. It pitted the established ruling class, backed by the army and the church, against emerging classes advocating for democratic and social justice.

Causes of the War

  • Resistance to agrarian and land reform
  • Nationalism
  • Poor living conditions
  • The 1934 Asturian Uprising
  • The rise of European fascism
  • Conspiracy involving military, Carlists, Falangists, and Alfonsinos since 1933

The military revolt was led by Generals Mola and Franco from Morocco.

The Two Sides

Republicans: Loyal to the Republic, this side comprised industrial workers, laborers, and the petty bourgeoisie, primarily in the Mediterranean area, Asturias, Madrid, and Barcelona. They received international support from pro-labor groups, progressive Catholics, France, the International Brigades, and the USSR (weapons and financial aid).

Rebels/Nationalists: This side consisted of conservative landowners, traditionalist Catholics, and the military, mainly from inland cities, Granada, and Seville. Their goals varied, ranging from a military dictatorship to the restoration of the Alfonsine monarchy. They received international support from Britain, the Catholic Church, the papacy, Portugal, Italy (troops and weapons), and Germany.

A Non-Intervention Committee was formed but proved ineffective.

Key Events

  • Mola’s initial advance on Madrid was halted.
  • Franco brought troops from Morocco to the north, bombing civilian populations in Durango and Guernica.
  • Republican offensives were hampered by government crises and delays.
  • Franco’s advance on Madrid led to the Negrín government.
  • Republican offensives in Teruel and Aragon were suppressed.
  • The Battle of the Ebro, an attempt to unite divided Republican territories, failed.
  • Franco captured Catalonia, and the UK and France recognized his authority.
  • In March 1939, Franco’s forces entered Madrid, ending the war.

Republican Objectives

The Republicans aimed to win the war or achieve a social revolution. However, their efforts were hampered by a lack of organization, unified command, and a proper army.

Largo Caballero’s anti-fascist government, composed of socialists, republicans, communists, and anarchists, faced internal conflicts.

Negrín’s government focused on resistance and a negotiated settlement.

Rebel Objectives

The rebels sought to establish a totalitarian state opposed to liberalism, democracy, communism, and nationalism. Led by Franco, who established a personal dictatorship, they had the support of the army, the church, and the Falange.

A National Defence Council suspended the constitution and halted land reform.

Franco received military aid from Germany and Italy and created a single party, the FET y de las JONS.

Consequences

  • Death, repression, and exile of Republicans
  • Economic ruin
  • Cultural suppression

Conclusion

The Spanish Civil War, a pivotal event of the 20th century, resulted from the failed democratization of the political system, radical social and political divisions during the Second Republic, and a military uprising. Foreign intervention prolonged the conflict, leading to over half a million deaths and exiles.