Spanish History: Republic, Civil War & Key Events
Causes of Government Collapse in Spain
Among the reasons for the collapse of government, it is necessary to mention the growing prestige of radical movements following events in Asturias, and significant corruption scandals, notably the “Strap” and “Case” affairs.
The Jaca Uprising (1930)
The leadership of the uprising in Jaca corresponded to Fermín Galán, Captain of the Infantry Regiment Galicia number 19. He also had the support of Captain Ángel García Hernández, who commanded the machine gun company of the same regiment to which Galán belonged.
The Tragic Events of Casas Viejas (1933)
The events in Casas Viejas are considered one of the most important and tragic episodes of the Second Spanish Republic, acting as a catalyst for the fall of Manuel Azaña’s government, although he would return as prime minister in 1933 and 1936.
In January 1933, in a small town in Cádiz, the first anarchist revolt by a group from the CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) took place. Their intention was to spark a revolution, organizing without government response to their libertarian ideology. They attempted to depose the mayor and take the Civil Guard barracks, where one sergeant was killed and three guards were wounded. One civilian was also wounded.
When the government dispatched Civil Guard and Assault Guard forces, commanded by Captain Manuel Rojas, they opened fire in the town. They then set fire to the house where some of the insurrection’s leaders had fled, including Francisco Cruz, who died calcined with others as his hut burned. Subsequently, numerous individuals were arrested, including middle-aged participants, suspicious neighbors, and family members.
Once the facts became known throughout Spain, a major journalistic and parliamentary scandal erupted, severely damaging the government’s reputation.
SEU: Spanish University Union
The Spanish University Union (SEU) was a corporatist student union, similar in character to those associated with fascist parties in Italy and Romania. It was established during the Second Spanish Republic, driven by the Falange and its leader, José Antonio Primo de Rivera. He famously adopted the maxim that “we must convert the university into a living organism of total training.“
The Red Terror in Spain
The Red Terror in Spain refers to the often violent actions committed by Spanish Republicans during the Spanish Civil War. These actions included the looting and burning of monasteries and churches, the killing of 6,832 Catholic clergy, and attacks on landlords, industrialists, and political rightists.
This semi-organized terror was perpetrated by almost all leftist groups, with the notable exception of Basque nationalists in the Basque region of Navarre.
Vicente Rojo: Republican Chief of Staff
Vicente Rojo Lluch was a prominent Chief of Staff for the Republican Army during the Spanish Civil War. He served under the governments of Francisco Largo Caballero and later Juan Negrín, working alongside figures like Indalecio Prieto. While growing communist influence aimed to strengthen the Republic, it was ultimately too late to prevent its defeat, as the outbreak of the Second World War was already anticipated.
Juan Yagüe: The “Butcher of Badajoz”
Juan Yagüe Blanco was a Spanish military officer who played a major role in the army’s uprising against the Second Spanish Republic. He distinguished himself at the head of the column that occupied Extremadura and during the Battle of the Ebro. Yagüe was also responsible for the massacres that occurred in the city of Badajoz, for which he was popularly known as the “Butcher of Badajoz.”
Key Dates in Spanish History
- 1474: Isabella I becomes Queen of Castile
- 1492: Conquest of Granada
- 1505: Cortes of Toro
- 1520: Revolt of the Comuneros in Toledo, led by Juan de Padilla
- 1543: Foundation of the Viceroyalty of Peru
- 1556: Philip II ascends to the throne of Spain
- 1571: Battle of Lepanto
- 1588: Defeat of the Spanish Armada
- 1599: Rise of the Duke of Lerma’s privanza (favoritism)
- 1609: Beginning of the expulsion of the Moriscos
- 1641: Secessionist movement in Andalusia
- 1668: Treaty of Lisbon
- 1713: Treaty of Utrecht
- 1749: Beginning of the Ensenada Cadastre
- 1759: Charles III ascends to the throne of Spain
- 1767: Expulsion of the Jesuits