Franco's 1936 Proclamation: A Call to Arms and Justification

Analysis of Francisco Franco's 1936 Proclamation

This document presents an analysis of a historical, public, and political text written by Captain General of the Canary Islands, Francisco Franco, who later became the dictator of Spain from 1936 to 1975. Published two days after his departure from the Canary Islands, the text exhibits a distinct military precision, particularly in its concluding sentence.

Structure of the Proclamation

The text can be divided into four main parts:

1. Part One: The Call to Arms

   This section addresses the document's intended audience, primarily calling on men to join the ranks of the military uprising.

2. Part Two: Justification for the Coup

   This part justifies the military coup by describing the perceived dire situation in Spain and arguing that nationalism, with its revolutionary ideas, was destroying the nation.

3. Part Three: Army Sections Involved

   This section refers to the army units that had risen against the state. It broadly claims that the entire host participated, though historically, it was primarily the African forces and sectors led by Generals Mola, Llano, and Yagüe who revolted.

4. Part Four: The Spanish Character and Future

   The final part suggests that because Spaniards are inherently "good," they cannot attack the "jugular" to decisively end the existing problem, as envisioned by the future dictator. It dismisses reforms enacted by the Republic, such as land reform and religious policies, arguing that what truly matters is fraternity, freedom, and equality – though the latter two are presented as relative concepts.

Historical Context of the 1936 Coup

After the proclamation of the Second Republic, Spain faced a post-World War I Europe, but its most serious problems were structural and internal. Socially, the Republic had to contend with the entrenched positions of large landowners and gentry who adhered to the principles and ways of the old regime.

Republican Reforms and Conservative Reaction

The Republic introduced a series of reforms that provoked even moderate outcry from conservative and reactionary sectors. The reaction was swift: the CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas) consolidated its power while protests from Socialists and anarchists, demanding real reforms, became increasingly radicalized.

Political Shifts and the Path to Conflict

• In the 1933 elections, the right consolidated power, dismantling and paralyzing many laws enacted by the previous government.
• In the 1936 elections, the Popular Front won, providing the army with a clear pretext to intervene and protect society from perceived conflict and chaos.

The Military Coup and Civil War

In July 1936, a military coup occurred. It did not immediately triumph, and not the entire army and police supported it, which led directly to the Spanish Civil War. Foreign aid ultimately led to the victory of the insurgents, who were supported by Germany and Italy, while the Republican side received aid from the USSR.