Así empezó el Alzamiento Nacional en julio de 1936 | España dividida: La Guerra Civil en color

The Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War

Initial Uprising in Melilla

• The uprising begins in Melilla, a key city in the colony, where rebel officers utilize surprise to neutralize resistance.

• On July 18, Franco boards the Dragon Rapide at Las Palmas airport and flies to Morocco to lead the African army while the Republican government in Madrid underestimates the severity of the uprising.

Government Response and Internal Conflict

• Santiago Casares Quiroga, President of the Council of Ministers, initially resists acknowledging the coup threat until it becomes undeniable.

• He had previously joked about ignoring a military uprising, reflecting a lack of seriousness regarding the situation.

• Despite government refusal to arm civilians, militias begin distributing weapons with help from retired Captain Urbano Orat de la Torre.

Expansion of Rebellion

• By July 18, the rebellion spreads across mainland Spain.

• In Seville, General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano leads a small group that swiftly occupies key public buildings.

Strategic Importance and Military Dynamics

• Control over Seville is crucial for connecting with African troops and securing naval forces; most navy officers support the coup.

• In Madrid, radio telegrapher Benjamín Balboa intercepts Franco's message to rebel military leaders in Africa and alerts the government.

Shifts in Power and Leadership Changes

• The Republic manages to retain control over most naval forces despite initial setbacks.

• Franco requests German air support for transporting his troops from Africa due to operational challenges faced by rebels.

International Support and Political Turmoil

• All conspirators recognize the necessity of assistance from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy; Franco is particularly insistent on this aid.

• By nightfall on July 18, Casares Quiroga resigns as he can no longer joke about events spiraling out of control.

Attempts at Unity Amidst Crisis

• Azaña appoints Diego Martínez Barrio as successor; he attempts to form a unity government but resigns within hours after failing to secure peace with rebels.

• Azaña then names José Giral as president who forms a moderate republican cabinet making three critical decisions: arming workers, seeking military aid from France, and dissolving an untrustworthy army.

Escalation on July 19th

• The coup continues its momentum on July 19th with General Emilio Mola rebelling in Pamplona amidst strong Carlism support.

• In Burgos, local aristocrats express overwhelming nationalist sentiment as it becomes a center for coup leadership.

Resistance Developments

• In Madrid, rebellious officers mutiny at Montaña barracks but fail to deploy troops effectively due to orders from General Joaquín Fanjul.

• On July 19th in Barcelona , anarchist militias erect barricades against advancing military forces attempting city occupation.

Popular Defense Efforts

• Spontaneous defense efforts emerge among citizens; individuals arm themselves amid chaos following gunfire sounds.

• By early hours of July 20th , rebel forces surrender in Barcelona leading to mass euphoria among locals celebrating their victory over military insurgents.

Conclusion: Early War Dynamics

Cargan Armamento de Duda Calidad

Descripción del Armamento

• Se menciona que se cargan armamentos de calidad dudosa en camiones y autocares blindados, lo cual sugiere una falta de estándares en la preparación militar.

• El proceso de carga es descrito como precario y artesanal, indicando un enfoque improvisado y posiblemente ineficaz para el equipamiento militar.

• Los vehículos son pintados con siglas y mensajes políticos, lo que refleja una intención de propaganda o identificación ideológica más que funcionalidad militar.

• La falta de atención a los abastecimientos mínimos resalta una grave deficiencia logística en la operación, poniendo en duda la capacidad operativa del grupo.