spanish civil war

MILITARY DICTATORSHIP IN SPAIN By 1923, dissatistaction with the Restoration was widespread. With the avowed aim of taking a break from political life to end corruption, General Miguel Primo de Rivera established a military dictatorship.

three stages:

Early years. Initially, Primo de Rivera enjoyed some popularity, even within the workers’ movement. The protectorate in Morocco was pacified by a French-Spanish alliance in 1925.

Maintaining power. A strong economy allowed the dictator to remain in power, but the regime faced growing hostility among many groups.

1929 crisis. The economic prosperity bubble burst after the Wall Street Crash. In early 1930, Primo de Rivera resigned and retired to Paris.

SECULARISM There was no longer an official state religion. The state acknowledged the right of any religion to worship, but not in public spheres.

REGIONALISM The right for the regions to establish Statutes of Autonomy was recognise.

SOCIAL ECONOMY the state allowed all workers of every class

The state was allowed to take property from owners when acting in public interest.

Workers’ rights, such as unemployment benefits, maximum working hours and holidays were recognised.

NON INTERVENTION POLICY (5) The two major European democracies called on all countries.Non Intervention Agreement was signed including Britain, France, Germany, Italty and the Soviet Union. This policy obstruct the Republican goverment from getting arms and food supplies in big cities.

– SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONALIST: Fascist Germany and Italy soon ignored the embargo

Hitler brought in troops throught Portugal. The best organised unit that operated in Spain was the Condor Legion

Mussolini sent more men and presented Italian assistance

– SUPPORT FOR THE REPUBLIC The Soviet Union also ignored the non intervention and supplier the Republic.

Soviet involved secret military mission, code named Operation X included armaments, soldiers and advisors, and was agreed with the Spanish goverment in exchange for Spains gold reserves

MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS (6) 

HITLER AND MUSSOLINI provide Franco with planes to carry out troops from Africa to Sevilla

OBJECTIVE MADRID. General Franco leads the African treass from the south and Mola commands the army from the north. September, the Francoist troops take Badajoz and arrive in the Tajo Valley. Mola’s troops in the north take Gipuzkoa and close the French border to the Republicans.

NATIONALIST VICTORY IN TOLEDO. Franco turns his army south to Toledo where the Nationalist soldiers are resisting the Republican siege in the Alcázar. Franco’s troops win a symbolic victory.

THE BATTLE FOR MADRID. 1936. Nationalist troops reach the capital. The government decides to evacuate Madrid and head to Valencia. Republicans resist in Madrid

THE NORTHERN FRONT. Gernika bombing helped the Nationalists gain a decisive victory Bizcaia. In spite of the Republican offensive in Aragon to slow down the Nationalist advance,Cantabria and Asturias are also taken.

THE BATTLE OF TERUEL. From December 1937 to February 1938. It is one of the bitterest battles of the war. Nationalists gain a strategic victory to advance towards the Mediterranean. Cataluña is isolated.

THE BATTLE OF THE EBRO. From July to November 1938. It fails and Franco deploys mass forces to invade Cataluña. Only Madrid, Valencia and a few other stronsholds remain for the Republican forces.

CIVIL WAR WITHIN THE CIVIL WAR. In March 1939, Republican Army causes the government in Valencia to fall. Negociate a peace deal. Franco only accepts an unconditional surrender. Juan Negrin, the president of the government, flees to France.

THE END OF THE WAR. The Nationalists start a general offensive. they occupy Madrid, they control all Spanish territory. Franco proclaims victory on 1 April.

POLITICAL EVOLUTION IN THE WAR 

THE REPUBLICAN SIDE

Workers collectivised industry in the cities distributed among peasants. Revolution or victory a lack of unity and discipline. In September 1936, Francisco Largo Caballero formed a coalition government in Valencia to unify the Republic. The communists were the most divided group:

• Marxist anarchists from the CNT and FAI believed that the war made it possible to start a revolution.

• PCE believed that victory was the most important thing. The PCE and PSUC joined together.

• In May 1937 fall of Largo Caballero, Juan Negrin,named president of the new government.

THE NATIONALIST SIDE Sanjurjo was killed leaving the command split between General Mola in the north, and General Franco in the south.  Franco’s consolidation of power

In September 1936, General Franco supreme commander of the Nationalist forces (Generalisimo)

On 18 November 1936, Germany and Italy recognised Franco’s government.

In April 1937 Falange, Carlistas and Renovación Española,

Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista (FET y de las JONS)with himself as Caudillo (leader).

CONSEQUENCES OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR

one million people were lost due to war, deaths caused food shortages, the drop in the birth rate, and those who went into exile.

The economic impact of the war was also very high.

Political repression The killing of civilians on both sides.

• In the Republican one, the lack of authority meant that uncontrolled groups: Model Prison in Madrid and the Paracuellos massacre, in Madrid.

• In the Nationalist zone Federico Garcia Lorca, were also victim and enemie of Spain.