The Spanish Civil War: 1936 Military Uprising

Origins of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War began as a military uprising on July 18, 1936. It was the result of intense opposition from conservative sectors of Spanish politics against the democratization and social reforms of the Second Republic.

Internationally, this conflict was considered the first major clash between fascism and democracy.

The Military Coup of July 1936

• July 17, 1936: In Melilla, Colonel Yagüe, head of the Legion, took up arms against the Republic. This "National Uprising" was justified as a military coup against rising chaos and communism.
• July 18, 1936: From Morocco, General Francisco Franco, having secured the Canary Islands, headed to the peninsula to lead the Army of Africa.
• July 19, 1936: José Giral was elected head of government. He decided to dissolve the republican army and hand over weapons to the militias. However, many security forces remained loyal to the government, helping to quell the insurgency in much of Spain.

Initial Successes and Failures

Initially, the insurgent army successfully conquered the regions of Galicia, Andalusia, Guadalquivir, Seville, and Zaragoza. However, in areas where labor unions and leftist forces were strong—such as the Basque Country, Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Asturias, and Santander—the insurgent troops failed to take control.

The Resistance in Catalonia

The failure of the rebels in Catalonia was largely due to the fact that conservative parties held little influence in the region.

• General Goded was responsible for directing the military coup in Catalonia.
• Goded expected the army and Civil Guard to follow his lead. However, the government directed police forces against the insurgents, and the mobilization of the people in the streets forced the fascists to withdraw. This victory in Catalonia served as a triumph of popular morale for the Spanish resistance.

Opposing Sides: Nationalists vs. Republicans

The Insurgents (Nationalists)

Directed by the military and supported by the upper classes and conservatives (including Falangists and Traditionalists), this side opposed the reforms of the Second Republic. They aimed to defend the unity of Spain and impose a military dictatorship to restore order and stop the risk of a social revolution. Key groups included the CEDA and the Falange.

The Republicans (The "Reds")

Formed by the popular classes—workers, the middle class, and the poor peasantry—this side defended republicanism and the reforms of the previous biennium alongside the Popular Front. Major groups included socialists, communists, and anarchists.

Ultimately, the war pitted the old dominant groups of Spain, who saw social change as a threat, against emerging bourgeois and worker groups who sought to establish a democratic political system and a progressive social order.