Spanish Civil War: From Biennium to Franco’s Regime
Biennium Black and the Road to Revolution
The Biennium Black saw a straight-wing victory in the elections of November 19th. All reforms were halted. Workers, hoping the Republic would endure, were frustrated by the perceived inaction of the UGT and CNT, leading to revolutionary fervor. This culminated in the Asturias Revolution in October 1934, where the UGT and CNT united under the banner of the UHP (Union of Workers’ Brothers). The right-wing government responded by sending the army, resulting in numerous casualties.
Catalonia and the Popular Front
In Catalonia, a leftist government led by Lluis Companys existed, contrasting with the right-wing government in Madrid. The Law of Contract Farming was approved but suspended upon reaching the Madrid Parliament. Companys then proclaimed the Catalan State within the Spanish Federal Republic, prompting the central state to deploy the army. The Spanish Falange, influenced by Hitler’s National Socialism and Mussolini’s Fascism, emerged in 1921.
The Popular Front won the elections in February 1936, marking a shift to the right. Notably, the CNT did not call for abstention in these elections. In March, the Popular Front reinstated the previously paralyzed measures and issued an amnesty decree, releasing all political prisoners.
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)
The Civil War erupted due to a coup supported by the agrarian bourgeoisie, landowners, the Church, and the industrial bourgeoisie, who opposed the Republic’s reforms. Workers joined the cause, hoping to dismantle the existing power structures. This revolution aimed to eliminate the bourgeoisie.
Insurrection and Division
On July 17th, the army, commanded by Franco in Morocco, rose up. On July 18th, the insurrection spread to the peninsula, succeeding in some areas and failing in others, leading to a divided front. The National side (insurgents, rebels, fascists, Francoists) aimed to abolish the Republic and establish an authoritarian regime. The Republican side (the Reds) defended democratic legality and universal suffrage, with some factions advocating for a complete overthrow of capitalism and private property.
Military Developments and Foreign Intervention
The defense of Madrid lasted three years, but the National side gradually gained territory, eventually occupying a third of Spain. The Nationals’ victory in the Battle of the Ebro proved decisive. On January 25th, the army entered Barcelona, followed by the conquest of Madrid. Burgos served as the National capital, while the Republicans relocated to Valencia. The war saw the first instances of aerial bombings targeting civilians and infrastructure.
Foreign powers intervened, with Portugal, Germany, and Italy supporting the rebels. Portugal provided soldiers, while Germany supplied war materials. The Largo Caballero government, formed by the most radical sector of the PSOE, included three anarchist ministers, including Federica Montseny, who approved the abortion law in 1937.
The Militias and Franco’s Government
With the army dissolved, militias composed of volunteers from unions and parties, including women (known as *milicianas*), were formed. The Board of National Defense became the first government in the territory controlled by the Nationals.
Franco’s government implemented the *Fuero del Trabajo*, a law governing labor relations and unions, imposed press censorship, controlled public actions, and created the National Movement. Only the Unity Party was legal. The National Wheat Service was established to control wheat production and prices, marking the beginning of a new economic policy.