Spanish Civil War: Stages, Developments, and Politics
Stages and Development of the War
- The Passage of the Strait and the Advance to Madrid (from the Uprising until December 1936). Expeditions acted as columns. The target of the rebels was Madrid. Columns headed by Mola advanced, supported by the central and African army under Franco’s command.
- Battles Around Madrid and the Occupation of the North (December 1936 – October 1937). The resistance in Madrid demonstrated the inability to capture the capital, leading to the battles of Jarama and Guadalajara. Rebel forces under Mola captured Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya, including the bombing of Guernica.
- Offensive Toward the Mediterranean (November 1937 – June 1938) and the Battle of the Ebro and Conquest of Catalonia (June 1938 – February 1939). Republicans attempted reforms, appointing Vicente Rojo to command the army. Catalonia was isolated, and Franco’s superiority in artillery and aviation led to the conquest of Catalonia.
- The Occupation of Catalonia to the Surrender of Madrid and the End of the War (December 1938 – April 1, 1939). The head of government, Negrín, returned to lead the resistance, but Republican areas surrendered without resistance. The final war report was signed on April 1st, ending the war.
Political Developments in the Two Areas
Republican Spain
In the initial moments, control was difficult. After the revolt, the government of Casares resigned, and José Giral took over.
- The appearance of popular power was not controlled by politicians. Power remained in the hands of unions and labor groups, leading to severe repression of rebels and a social revolution.
- After the Uprising, the CNT-FAI, supported by the UGT and POUM, gained influence.
- Military progress by the rebels highlighted the need for a unified government.
Largo Caballero’s government focused on restoring state power, removing boards and committees, and channeling revolutionary reforms. The Statute of Autonomy of the Basque Country was adopted, and the army was reorganized with the creation of the Popular Army formed by militarized militias. Internal conflict arose between communists and anarchists, culminating in the May 1937 events in Barcelona, a small civil war with casualties, arrests, and purges. Negrín’s new government favored uncompromising resistance, trusting that a global war would favor the Republic.
Nationalist Spain
Following Sanjurjo’s death, Francisco Franco was proclaimed leader. The defense board was replaced by a technical board of the state. The Constitution was suspended, party activity was banned, freedom of expression was abolished, land reform was suspended, the state became Catholic, and divorce was forbidden. The political division between supporters of the uprising ended with the Decree of Unification, forming the Traditionalist Spanish Falange de las JONS. Franco became chief of the army and party. Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Portugal, the Vatican, France, and the UK officially recognized the new regime.