Extremadura During the Spanish Civil War: Conflict and Occupation

In Extremadura, the military uprising had mixed support in its two provinces, mirroring the situation across the rest of the country. Opposition to the uprising was primarily supported by members of the Popular Front, workers, and peasants. These poorly armed groups were easily subdued by the stronger Army of Africa (comprising regular soldiers and legionnaires).

The Uprising's Beginning in Cáceres

In Cáceres, on July 17th, Popular Front supporters called for weapons from the Civil Governor, Antonio Canales, who denied their request under instructions from Madrid. The conspirators did not rise until July 19th, after receiving orders from Valladolid. The movement began in the capital, Cáceres, involving the Argel Regiment (27th), in connection with the Guardia Civil and the Falange. By the end of the day, the city was under the control of the insurgents. This marked the beginning of the province's occupation, which met with little organized opposition, except in the areas of Campo Arañuelo and Los Ibores, controlled by labor organizations such as the CNT.

In Badajoz, the uprising gained significant traction only in the area of Villanueva de la Serena, which was held by the rebels. The rest of the province, thanks to local support, remained under the command of the Republic.

Rebel Advance and Occupation Phases

Once in the Peninsula, the rebel army undertook the occupation of Extremadura. This strategic move aimed to link the two areas already in their possession—Andalusia and Castile-León—and thus advance on the capital of Spain. The occupation was carried out in two consecutive steps:

Phase One: Occupation of the Guadiana Valley

The advance of the Nationalist troops began in August 1936 with forces from the Legion and the Army of Africa sent by Franco. Subsequently, they took Llerena, Fuente de Cantos, Monesterio, Zafra, Santos de Maimona, Jerez de los Caballeros, Almendralejo, and Mérida. Mérida offered the first organized resistance to General Yagüe, who was assisted by the Argel Regiment from Cáceres. Badajoz fell into rebel hands on August 14th, becoming the scene of one of the war's bloodiest episodes of repression.

Phase Two: Occupation of the Tagus Valley

The rebels advanced on Trujillo and Navalmoral de la Mata, establishing contact with the rebels of Ávila through San Pedro de Arenas. By uniting the two Nationalist areas, the Southern Army, consisting of professional soldiers, became shock troops in the offensive against Madrid.

The Static Front and Republican Strategy

Within a month, almost all of Extremadura was in the hands of the rebels, and Franco temporarily installed his headquarters in Cáceres (Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo). In Extremadura, from mid-1936 onwards, the war fronts experienced little change until the end of the war. The front stretched from Alía to Don Benito and from Villanueva de la Serena to Higuera de la Serena on the Republican side, and from Guadalupe, Madrigalejo, Medellín, Guareña, Hornachos, and Campillo in the Nationalist zone.

Republicans recognized the strategic importance of the area to separate the Nationalist zone into two original parts. During the government of Largo Caballero, a plan to isolate Andalusia through the occupation of Extremadura was proposed, which was opposed by General Miaja. The dissensions in the Republican zone and the fall of Largo Caballero relegated the recovery plan to oblivion. At the end of the war, with the fall of Catalonia, the Republican army withdrew, and the domestic fronts occupied all areas. Some Republican veterans joined the maquis in an attempt to maintain the struggle.