Spanish Civil War: Key Battles and Phases

Phases of the Civil War:

Phase 1: August 1936 - March 1937

The initial phase included the first battles and the fight for Madrid. The resistance of the capital frustrated the Nationalist plans for a quick victory.

Battle of Madrid

Nationalist troops intended to take Madrid, but the city resisted. The Republicans cut off communications to hinder the Nationalist advance.

Battle of Jarama

A major Nationalist action aimed to conquer Arganda del Rey. Republican units, under General José Miaja, defended Madrid, delaying Nationalist plans to surround the city and prolonging the war.

Battle of Guadalajara

The battle began with an Italian offensive on March 8 and ended on March 11. Republican forces counterattacked with the International Brigades until March 23.

Phase 2: April - November 1937

The Nationalists focused on conquering the Cantabrian Zone, while the Republicans attempted to retake lost territory.

North Campaign

Nationalist troops conquered the Republican-held north.

Guernica Bombing

An aerial attack on the symbolic town on April 26, 1937, resulted in an estimated 120 to 300 deaths.

Battle of Brunete

From July 6 to 25, 1937, operations were carried out to reduce Nationalist pressure on Madrid. The main clash occurred in Quijorna.

Belchite Battle

Following the unsuccessful attempt to take Brunete, the Republicans launched an offensive in Aragon to relieve Nationalist forces in the north.

Phase 3: November 1937 - December 1938

The Nationalist advance towards the Mediterranean aimed to isolate Catalonia from the rest of the Republic. The Battle of the Ebro was a prelude to the Nationalist occupation.

Teruel Battle

Joint military operations between December 1937 and February 1938 saw Republican forces concentrate around Teruel.

Battle of Seròs

The final stage of the Nationalist offensive in Aragon aimed to pressure the Republicans.

Ebro Battle

The Republicans launched a massive surprise attack on Nationalist forces in the Ebro valley, an unexpected tactic given the river's perceived impassability.

Phase 4: December 1938 - April 1939

The end of the war saw the Nationalist occupation of Catalonia and Madrid's fall shortly after. Franco issued the final war statement on April 1, 1939.

Catalonia Occupation Campaign (July 1938 - February 1939)

The Republican defeat led to infighting and the final defeat.

Colonel Casado's Coup

On March 4, 1939, Colonel Casado, fearing a Communist power grab, led a coup against the Second Republic government with support from moderate socialists.

Fall of Madrid and the Rest of the Republic

By late March, Casado achieved his objective. On March 28, Nationalist troops entered Madrid without resistance.