La Guerra Civil española

The Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War

Initial Events Leading to the Conflict

• The Spanish Civil War begins on July 17, 1936, when the African Army revolts against the Popular Front government under General Franco's command.

• On July 18, Franco is informed of successful uprisings in Ceuta, Melilla, and Tetuán while he is in Las Palmas; he departs for Morocco by plane.

Historical Context: Political Landscape Pre-War

• Spain faced significant social and economic backwardness compared to neighboring countries; a military dictatorship led by Miguel Primo de Rivera was established in 1923 but collapsed in 1930.

• In 1931 municipal elections favoring republican candidates lead to King Alfonso XIII fleeing Spain amidst pro-republican demonstrations.

Establishment of the Second Republic

• The II Republic is proclaimed with Niceto Alcalá Zamora as provisional president tasked with drafting a new constitution that emphasizes secularism.

• A wave of anticlerical sentiment leads to violent riots across Spain, resulting in attacks on religious buildings and casualties.

Political Turmoil and Reform Attempts

• Manuel Azaña takes over after Alcalá Zamora resigns due to disagreements over religious issues; his administration aims for rapid modernization.

• The period from 1931 to 1933 is known as "The First Biennium" or "Reformist Biennium," followed by a conservative coalition victory leading into instability marked by failed coup attempts.

Escalation Towards Civil War

Revolts and Reactions

• The October Revolution of 1934 in Asturias reflects leftist unrest fueled by leaders like Largo Caballero; Catalan leader Companys declares a Catalan State but fails.

• Government suppression of Asturias' revolt reinforces right-wing beliefs that military action rather than republican institutions maintains order.

Growing Polarization

• Indalecio Prieto notes that revolutionary actions deepen political divides; harsh repression follows with many imprisoned or executed amid fears of a Bolshevik revolution.

Final Steps Toward War

Elections and Rising Tensions

• February 1936 sees general elections where leftist parties unite as the Popular Front, winning amidst allegations of electoral fraud which heightens tensions.

• Leftist factions engage in increasing disorder including strikes and church burnings while radical demands grow stronger within socialist ranks.

Emergence of Right-Wing Movements

• José Antonio Primo de Rivera establishes the fascist-inspired Falange party during this chaotic period as right-wing sentiments gain traction among youth.

Breakdown of Order

Government Instability

• As violence escalates between communists and falangists without government intervention, President Alcalá Zamora is ousted; Manuel Azaña assumes leadership amid rising factional divisions within PSOE.

Spanish Civil War: The Prelude to Conflict

Background of the Social Revolution

• Largo Caballero aimed for a social revolution through violence, with military uprising against the Popular Front secretly brewing.

• On July 12, 1936, a socialist police officer was killed by Falangists, igniting tensions and leading to the targeting of José Calvo Sotelo.

• Calvo Sotelo's assassination shocked many and prompted Francisco Franco to join the coup led by General Mola.

Initial Stages of the Uprising

• The military rebellion initially succeeded in Morocco but faced resistance in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona due to loyalist forces.

• The uprising did not achieve its goals quickly; intervention from security forces and armed civilians thwarted their plans.

Division of Spain

• Spain became divided into Republican and Nationalist zones; no democratic nations supported the Republic despite a "Non-Intervention" agreement promoted by England and France.

• Spain turned into a battleground for totalitarian ideologies—Nazism and Fascism versus Communism—with foreign powers supplying arms.

Role of Militias

• The Republican government armed civilians at war's onset, leading to the formation of militias that transformed class struggle into violent conflict.

• Both sides experienced internal violence; over 8,000 religious figures were killed as part of retaliatory actions against perceived enemies.

Consolidation of Power

• General Mola ordered significant violence against political adversaries; former opponents became targets overnight.

• By late September 1936, Franco was appointed as "Generalissimo" after initial reluctance amidst rising chaos in Madrid.

Escalation of Recruitment

• A lack of volunteers forced both factions to conscript soldiers; loyalty often depended on geographic allegiance rather than ideological commitment.

Battle for Madrid

• The Nationalists aimed to capture Madrid as a decisive move; they planned an offensive converging from north (Mola’s troops) and south (Franco’s troops).

International Involvement

• Republicans received support from international brigades while relocating their government from Madrid to Valencia amid ongoing battles.

Key Battles

Spanish Civil War: Key Events and Outcomes

Franco's Northern Offensive and the Attack on Guernica

• Franco renounces the capture of Madrid, initiating a northern offensive that leads to the occupation of the Cantabrian coast.

• The infamous bombing of Guernica by Nazi German bombers, known as the Condor Legion, becomes a globally recognized event.

• Pablo Picasso creates a painting titled "Guernica" to depict the horrors of war and garner sympathy for the Republican cause.

Internal Conflicts within the Republican Side

• In May 1937, after violent clashes in Barcelona between anarchists and communists, Largo Caballero resigns as head of government.

• The Republican faction is divided between those advocating for revolution (anarchists) and those prioritizing military victory (communists).

• President Manuel Azaña appoints Juan Negrín as head of government, who consolidates power and launches a significant offensive.

Military Campaigns and Strategic Failures

• To relieve pressure in the north during summer 1937, Republicans open fronts at Brunete and Belchite.

• By late 1937, following their relocation from Valencia to Barcelona, Republicans initiate an unsuccessful campaign in Teruel aimed at defending Madrid.

• The political disintegration of the Republic culminates with their defeat at the bloody Battle of Ebro, paving the way for Catalonia's fall.

Decline of Republican Resistance

• Negrín's government attempts to link Spanish conflict with an impending global war while facing relentless national aviation pressure.

• Following minimal resistance in January 1939, thousands of Republicans flee to France; notable figures like poet Antonio Machado perish shortly thereafter.

Conclusion: End of Civil War and Aftermath

• On February 27th, Franco’s government gains recognition from France and England leading to Azaña's resignation as President.