LA GUERRA CIVIL ESPAÑOLA (1ª parte) - Documental de Granada Television emitido por la BBC.

The Spanish Civil War: A Prelude to Tragedy

Historical Context and Significance

• The ruins of Belchite serve as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), symbolizing the tragedy faced by many communities in Spain.

• For victors, the war was seen as a crusade against an atheistic revolution threatening traditional values; for the defeated, it represented a liberation struggle against oppressive forces.

• The conflict is often viewed as a precursor to World War II, marking it as one of history's most international wars with numerous foreign volunteers fighting for various causes.

The Outbreak of War

• On July 17, 1936, conservative military factions initiated a coup against the Republican government, which unexpectedly met with armed resistance from thousands who took up arms.

• What began as a military coup escalated into nearly three years of civil war where political adversaries became mortal enemies.

The Rise of the Second Republic

• Five years prior to the war's outbreak, the proclamation of the Second Republic was celebrated widely, representing hope for modernization and justice in Spain amidst declining monarchy support.

• Alfonso XIII’s departure marked his recognition of isolation and loss of popular support following municipal elections favoring Republican candidates. He left for voluntary exile after realizing his monarchy could no longer guarantee stability.

Challenges Faced by the New Government

• Newly elected liberal leaders faced immense challenges due to economic crises across Europe and internal societal divisions that complicated their reform efforts.

• Initial optimism among Republicans and socialists about transformative reforms quickly clashed with harsh realities; expectations were high but difficult to meet in such a divided society.

Aspirations and Obstacles

• Workers hoped that democratic governance would fulfill long-standing aspirations for land rights and fair labor conditions; however, powerful interests resisted these changes.

• A deeply conservative church opposed liberalization efforts while workers sought immediate reforms to address dire economic conditions affecting both urban and rural populations.

Social and Economic Inequalities in Andalucía

The Context of Social Disparities

• The army was accustomed to intervening in political life, with a dominant class determined to maintain its privileges. Andalucía exhibited deep social and economic contrasts, characterized by large estates and wealthy landowners.

• Over 700,000 agricultural laborers lived in misery, facing severe exploitation as they were treated like livestock in labor markets without guaranteed wages.

Agricultural Reform and Its Challenges

• Tensions in rural Spain posed significant threats to the new republic; the agrarian reform of 1932 disappointed many laborers while aggravating landowners.

• The slogan "neither God nor property nor masters" reflected a semi-anarchist sentiment against land ownership, highlighting the innate desire of peasants for land possession.

Attempts at Land Occupation

• Many attempts were made by laborers to occupy lands that the republic hesitated to allocate. Agronomist Vergara recognized that peaceful reform was nearly impossible without prior revolution.

• He argued that without a revolutionary change dismantling existing political or social structures, powerful landowners would not relinquish their holdings voluntarily.

The Role of the Church During Political Upheaval

Church's Influence and Resistance

• The church fought to retain its privileges amid republican reforms, supported by influential allies but also targeted by those who viewed it as an ally of oppressive power structures.

Escalation of Anticlerical Violence

• Following the proclamation of the republic, anticlerical sentiments escalated into street violence; mobs set fire to six churches after clashes between monarchists and republicans.

• Pilar Primo de Rivera recounted the emotional turmoil surrounding these events, noting how authorities failed to intervene during church burnings.

Cultural Transformation Under the Republic

Education Reforms

• Despite losing much economic power, the church maintained control over education. The republic aimed to establish a secular educational system amidst widespread illiteracy.

• Nearly 10,000 new schools opened within the first year of the republic's establishment, promoting art and culture across Spain.

Cultural Figures and Regionalism

• Intellectual figures like Federico García Lorca emerged as cultural missionaries during this period. His work brought classical theater to remote areas but foreshadowed his tragic fate during civil conflict.

Regional Autonomy Movements

Catalonia's Quest for Independence

• A vibrant intellectual climate fueled regionalism; Catalonia and Basque Country sought autonomy based on historical independence claims.

Advocacy for Rights

• Activists like Marcel Girot argued for autonomy as a fundamental right due to distinct cultural identities being suppressed under external dominance since April 14th, 1931.

Catalonia and the Basque Country: Historical Context

Industrialization and Autonomy

• Catalonia and the Basque Country were more industrialized and prosperous than the rest of Spain, representing advanced societies increasingly discontent with outdated centralism.

• In 1932, the Republic granted Catalonia its long-desired autonomy statute, which alarmed military figures like Manuel Azaña who feared regional autonomies could threaten national unity.

Military Concerns and Political Unrest

• The military was obsessed with national unity, especially after Spain lost its overseas colonies in the 1920s; Francisco Franco gained prominence as a general during these conflicts.

• The Republican government aimed to modernize an outdated military structure but faced deep distrust from conservative military factions regarding proposed reforms.

Failed Coup and Rising Discontent

• On August 10, 1932, General Sanjurjo's coup attempt failed, highlighting growing dissatisfaction within the armed forces; he was imprisoned but later allowed to meet supporters.

• The failure of Sanjurjo's coup led to celebrations for the Republic but also increased tensions between right-wing factions and leftist groups due to rising discontent.

Anarchism as Violent Opposition

• The anarchist movement became one of the most violent oppositions to the Republic; unlike Europe where it waned post-WWI, it grew in Spain, particularly in Andalusia and Catalonia.

• By 1920, the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), an anarcho-syndicalist organization aiming for total worker emancipation through revolutionary strikes, had around 700,000 members.

Ideological Roots of Anarchism

• Intellectual anarchist Federica Montseny attributed Spanish anarchism's roots to historical oppression by feudalism and a powerful bourgeoisie that fostered a spirit of rebellion among Spaniards.

• Anarchists opposed all forms of government—monarchy or republic—advocating for a society free from deities, masters, or private property amidst widespread hunger and misery.

Escalation of Violence

• In January 1933, anarchists led uprisings in several Andalusian towns; one notable incident occurred in Casas Viejas where police brutally suppressed rebels leading to executions.

• The massacre at Casas Viejas fueled accusations against Republican authorities for orchestrating violence; this scandal contributed to socialist disillusionment with a faltering government.

Shift in Political Landscape

• Growing unrest culminated in elections in 1933 where socialists lost faith in achieving reforms through parliamentary means while conservatives sought electoral victory to halt reform processes initiated by Republicans.

• The Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas (CEDA), led by José María Gil Robles, emerged as a significant force after women’s suffrage contributed to their electoral success.

Rise of Fascism Fears

• Following CEDA's rise in power post-elections of 1933 which halted reforms initiated by Republicans, fears grew among socialists about fascism taking root similar to trends seen across Europe.

• By October 1934, three CEDA ministers joined the government prompting socialist uprisings against constitutional authority amid concerns over increasing fascist influence disguised under leaders like Gil Robles.

Revolutionary Movements in Asturias

The Nature of the Revolutionary Strike

• The revolutionary strike was not merely a demand for better wages or working hours but aimed at a significant power shift, embodying a revolutionary spirit.

Success and Failure of the Revolution

• The revolutionary efforts largely failed across Spain, with Asturias being the notable exception where leftist parties united to form a powerful movement. Miners enthusiastically joined the fight for a "red Asturias."

Escalation of Violence

• A declaration of war against the central government ensued, leading to violent clashes and political assassinations. Government forces struggled to suppress this uprising effectively.

Government Response and Aftermath

• General Franco coordinated military actions from Madrid, resulting in brutal repression against miners and widespread destruction in several towns within 15 days.

Casualties and Lessons Learned

• Approximately 2,000 individuals died during the Asturian revolution; many were executed without trial. Despite its failure due to disunity, valuable lessons were learned by the left that would later contribute to their unity in forming the Popular Front coalition before the 1936 elections.

Political Dynamics Post-Revolution

Formation of Political Alliances

• The repression experienced during what is referred to as "the black biennium" helped forge unity among leftist factions, culminating in the establishment of the Popular Front coalition ahead of elections.

Electoral Campaign Strategies

• Gil-Robles led an aggressive electoral campaign positioning himself as a bulwark against an impending Bolshevik revolution while leftists focused on liberating political prisoners. The Popular Front achieved a narrow victory amidst rising tensions.

Political Tensions and Social Unrest

• Following electoral victories, social unrest escalated with strikes and land occupations proliferating as workers sought rights amid fears from conservatives about losing control over governance. This period saw increasing polarization between political factions.

The Rise of Extremism

Shift Towards Radical Movements

• As conservative hopes dwindled with Gil-Robles' decline, José Calvo Sotelo emerged as a new leader amidst growing societal divisions that made dialogue nearly impossible; young militants began abandoning traditional parties for more radical movements like Falange founded by José Antonio Primo de Rivera in 1933.

Ideological Foundations of Falange

• José Antonio articulated that their movement was not merely imitative but rather rooted in unique Spanish ideologies emphasizing unity and authority while rejecting class struggle for cooperation instead. This marked an ideological shift towards fascism-inspired principles within Spain's political landscape.

Escalation into Violence

Increasing Political Violence

• By March 1936, street violence surged alongside political crimes as debates gave way to physical confrontations; desperation drove agricultural laborers towards extreme measures including land occupations amid worsening economic conditions for rural workers across Spain.

Regional Discontent

• While popular discontent grew among laborers seeking justice through occupation tactics, regions like Navarra remained staunchly conservative with deeply entrenched beliefs ready to defend traditional values against perceived threats from revolutionary movements aiming at dismantling established order.

The Prelude to Military Conspiracies

The Strategic Movements of Generals

• The government aimed to restore order by relocating openly right-wing generals away from the peninsula; General Franco was sent to the Canary Islands while General Mola was moved to Pamplona, becoming the mastermind behind the conspiracy.

• Franco, initially hesitant and obsessed with combating communism, believed that the threat was not immediate and remained calm in the Canary Islands.

Rising Tensions in Spain

• On May 1, 1936, socialist demonstrations showcased leftist power; Francisco Largo Caballero emerged as a revolutionary leader whose fiery speeches instilled fear among conservatives.

• Rumors during a demonstration led to violence against convents, reflecting escalating tensions as Republican authorities struggled to maintain control amidst increasing isolation from socialists.

Political Shifts and Calls for Strong Leadership

• On June 16, Calvo Sotelo advocated for a strong state to end strikes and anarchy, controversially declaring himself a fascist in support of this vision.

Preparations for Rebellion

• During San Fermín festivities on July 7, General Mola convened his associates while grappling with delays in executing their coup due to internal disagreements among factions.

• José Antonio's initial criticism of Mola's conservative approach shifted towards support as preparations intensified.

Communication and Planning Challenges

• Franco communicated cautiously with Mola about readiness for rebellion but expressed uncertainty about timing, causing frustration for Mola who feared losing momentum.

• Despite concerns over timing, plans continued for Franco’s transfer to Morocco via an independent pilot arranged by Mola.

Escalation into Violence

• Events took a tragic turn on July 12 when Lieutenant José Castillo was assassinated after receiving threats from far-right groups.

• Castillo's murder sparked outrage among conservative officers and provided significant public support for the conspirators. This incident solidified resolve among military leaders contemplating rebellion.

The Prelude to Civil War in Spain

The Birth of Tension

• Elena gave birth to a beautiful boy, coinciding with the announcement of the uprising's date and location: July 18 at 5 PM in Morocco. The government was aware that an outbreak could occur at any moment but failed to take necessary precautions.

• Leftist parties and unions were preparing to resist the uprising. At midnight, Indalecio and other socialists visited Prime Minister Casares Quiroga to request arms, which he refused, fearing it would jeopardize the Republican government's last chance to maintain order.

Escalation of Conflict

• On July 14, Captain Bet departed from Casablanca towards the Canary Islands. The funerals of Lieutenant Castillo and Calvo Sotelo symbolized Spain's deepening societal division—fist salutes honored Castillo while fascist gestures bid farewell to Calvo Sotelo.

• In Barcelona, anarchist José Manuel Molina spent sleepless nights anticipating the inevitable military coup. Editorials expressed their awareness of the impending conflict as they awaited developments.

Misjudgments by Leadership

• Catalan leader Josep Tarradellas met with Prime Minister Casares Quiroga, who continued to underestimate the situation's severity despite receiving news about discontent among generals in Morocco.

• Casares Quiroga remained convinced that a military uprising would fail. However, on July 17, earlier than expected, the uprising began in Melilla and quickly spread throughout Morocco before Franco arrived to lead his troops.

The Spread of Rebellion

• Rebels believed they could swiftly overthrow the Republican government; however, both sides tragically miscalculated their strength. The rebellion extended into mainland Spain as both factions engaged in violent confrontations.

• Ultimately, neither rebels nor Republicans had sufficient power for dominance. The uprising transformed into a counter-revolution as armed workers defended not just a republican Spain but a revolutionary one.

Pathway to Civil War

• With no possibility for reconciliation or compromise left, it became clear that nothing could prevent Spain from descending into civil war.