Political Developments in the Republican Zone: War and Revolution

During the first months of the war, the power of the Republican state was fragmented among trade unions, political parties, and nationalist groups. Concurrently, a social revolution dominated most of the territory, which significantly weakened the authority of the Republican government.

Disintegration of Republican Power and Revolution

Between July and October 1936, power was distributed among multiple boards, committees, militias, revolutionary councils, and agencies. These entities, at regional, provincial, and local levels, supplanted the authority of the central government.

The absence of a single command hindered military operations. In Catalonia, popular power was exercised by the CNT-FAI. Armed militias organized the rear, managing transport, supplies, and weapons industries, among other tasks. Women were involved in some of these tasks, which were traditionally assigned to men.

The militias also exercised repression against suspected individuals, making arrests, conducting executions, and keeping records of those who committed irregularities and excesses. This included anticlericalism and actions against priests and religious buildings.

In parallel, a socio-economic revolution was conducted, which caused a change in production relations. This was reflected in employment, the distribution of land, and the seizure of industries. Collectivization of the countryside varied by area. During this period, up to 60% of cultivated land was expropriated in regions such as Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalusia.

Collectivization of major industries and services occurred in Valencia, Madrid, Asturias, and Catalonia, especially where the plan for the socialist transformation of the country, including the Decree of Collectivization, was developed. Unions and workers took control of companies and organized production. From October 1936, the government intervened in strategic industries such as armaments and electricity. The government and the Communists viewed the evolution of the collectivization movement negatively, seeking to halt it to prioritize the war effort.