The Republican Zone During the Spanish Civil War

The Republican Zone: Revolution and War

The area controlled by the Republican forces during the Spanish Civil War faced a complex situation. On one hand, various factions sought to fulfill their social revolutionary desires. Simultaneously, they had to concentrate all efforts on winning the war, as defeat meant the end of all hope for social change.

Triggering the Social Revolution

In the territory that remained loyal to the Republic, the military uprising triggered a revolutionary climate. To stop the insurgency, the government of José Giral dissolved the traditional army and police bodies, decreeing the creation of volunteer battalions. Consequently, a structure of popular power emerged, becoming the only force capable of defending Republican legality.

Between the summer and autumn of 1936, state power was largely replaced by revolutionary organizations representing the Popular Front. Councils, committees, and boards arose, merging in some regions to form regional councils. In Catalonia, on July 20, the president summoned leaders of the CNT-FAI and authorized the formation of the Central Committee of Antifascist Militias, which united various political forces and trade unions loyal to the Republic.

During the first months of the war, the Republican area also saw repression against anyone suspected of having ties to the so-called "facciosos." The church, the bourgeoisie, landowners, and wealthy classes became objects of persecution that often escaped government control. This included serious incidents, such as the summary execution of political prisoners in Barcelona and Madrid.

A War Economy: Collective Resources

A significant portion of agrarian and industrial property underwent collectivization. Workers took control and management of companies, informing former owners that they would henceforth operate under a regime of autogestió (self-management). In Catalonia, the Council of Economy was created in August 1936 to design a plan for a socialist economy, culminating in the October decree on collective resources.

Largo Caballero's Government (September 1936–May 1937)

On September 5, 1936, a new government was formed in Madrid under Socialist leader Largo Caballero, including Republicans, Socialists, and Communists. Two months later, four anarcho-syndicalist ministers joined the cabinet. Largo Caballero aimed to create a grand alliance between Republican, bourgeois, and worker forces to win the war through state reorganization and the formation of the People's Army. In Catalonia, the Committee of Antifascist Militias was dissolved, and a unity government was formed under Josep Tarradellas, encompassing the POUM, PSUC, ERC, and the CNT.