Spanish Civil War: Ebro Battle and Republican Defeat
To strengthen his position, Franco implemented army reforms, integrating militia brigades with professional cadres. After recapturing Teruel in February 1938, Franco’s forces launched the Aragon campaign, exploiting Republican losses. This divided Republican territory, isolating Catalonia. Franco then focused on the south, engaging in heavy fighting in Castellon and Valencia, extending to Lleida.
Battle of the Ebro and Occupation of Catalonia (July 1938 – February 1939)
The Republican army, after receiving new weapons and reorganizing, launched a major offensive across the Ebro River on July 25, 1938. This was a desperate attempt to regain territory. Franco responded with reinforcements, including German and Italian air support, halting the Republican advance. The Republicans were forced to retreat, while Franco’s forces occupied the area south of Tarragona and crossed the Ebro at its mouth. The battle concluded on November 16 with a Republican defeat.
Following the Ebro defeat, Franco launched an offensive on Catalonia. Barcelona fell on January 26 without resistance. The fall of Girona led to a mass exodus to France, including the Republican government led by Manuel Negrin.
End of the War
By February 1939, the Republic controlled only Madrid, La Mancha, and the Mediterranean coast from Valencia to Almeria. Juan Negrin returned from France to reorganize the army. In early March, a revolt against the Republican government, led by Colonel Casado, occurred in Madrid. Casado, with support from some socialists and the UGT, formed a Defense Council to negotiate peace with Franco. Franco demanded unconditional surrender. On March 28, Franco’s troops entered Madrid, and the following day, occupied the entire Mediterranean area. The resistance of the remaining Communist troops was futile. On April 1, Franco declared the end of the war: “On this day, captured and disarmed the Red Army troops reached its last national military objectives. Spanish, the war is over.”