Spanish Civil War: Key Events and Figures 1936-1939

The Spanish Civil War: 1936-1939

1.1 From Coup to Civil War

On July 17, 1936, the Spanish Civil War began with a military coup led by figures like Juan Yagüe and Francisco Franco against the Popular Front government. The National Uprising, spearheaded by Emilio Mola, took place on July 18 and 19. The insurgents, later known as Nationalists, quickly gained control of the Canary Islands, Morocco, the Balearic Islands, Navarre, Alava, Castile and León, Galicia, Aragon, Cáceres, Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, and Granada. The Republican government, led initially by Santiago Casares Quiroga and then by José Giral, retained control of Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia, Cantabria, Asturias, part of the Basque Country, the regions of La Mancha, Murcia, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Aragon.

1.2 The Failed Insurrection in Catalonia

General Goded's attempt to seize Barcelona failed, as did similar uprisings in Madrid and Valencia.

1.4 Internationalization of the Civil War

The conflict in Spain quickly drew international attention. The Non-Intervention Committee was formed in August 1936 in an attempt to prevent foreign powers from intervening in the war.

1.5 External Assistance

Despite the Non-Intervention Agreement, both sides received foreign aid. Germany sent the Condor Legion, and Italy provided the Corpo Truppe Volontarie to support the Nationalists. The Republicans, led by Francisco Largo Caballero, received support from the International Brigades, organized by the Third International.

2.1 The Outbreak of the Social Revolution

The war triggered a social revolution in Republican-held territories. Regional councils were established, such as the Board of Defense of Madrid, the Defense Council of Aragon, and the Council of Sovereignty of Asturias. On July 20, 1936, the Central Committee of Antifascist Militias was formed in Catalonia. José Antonio Primo de Rivera, founder of the Falange, was executed by the Republicans on November 20, 1936.

2.2 A War Economy: Collectivization

The war led to significant economic changes, particularly in Catalonia. On August 11, 1936, the Economy Council of Catalonia was established, and a decree of collectivization was issued, promoting self-management of industries and agriculture.

2.3 The Government of Largo Caballero

Largo Caballero's government oversaw the formation of the People's Army. In Catalonia, Lluís Companys and Josep Tarradellas played key roles. A Board of Internal Security and the Catalan People's Army were also established.

2.4 The May Events of 1937

On May 3, 1937, clashes erupted in Barcelona between various factions, including the PSUC, ERC, the anarchist-led UGT, and the POUM, centered around the telephone building. These events highlighted the internal divisions within the Republican camp.

2.5 The Government of Negrín (May 1937 - March 1939)

Juan Negrín replaced Largo Caballero as Prime Minister. Andreu Nin, a leader of the POUM, was arrested and later killed. Negrín's government issued a thirteen-point program aimed at unifying the Republican forces. The Munich Agreement, signed by European powers in September 1938, further isolated the Spanish Republic.

3.1 Franco, Caudillo of Spain

Following the death of General José Sanjurjo on July 20, 1936, a National Defense Board was formed on July 24, led by Miguel Cabanellas. On October 1, 1936, Francisco Franco was declared Head of State and Generalissimo of the Armies. A Technical Board was established to assist him. In April 1937, Franco issued the Unification Decree, merging the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS and becoming its National Chief. His brother-in-law, Ramón Serrano Suñer, known as the "Cuñadísimo," played a significant role in the regime. The "Fuero del Trabajo" (Labor Charter) was introduced, outlining the principles of the new state's labor policy.

3.2 A Systematic Repression

The Nationalist regime implemented a systematic campaign of repression, creating a climate of terror in areas under its control.

3.3 Catalans in Burgos

Several prominent Catalan intellectuals and artists, including Josep Pla, Miquel Mateu, and Eugenio d'Ors, aligned themselves with the Nationalist cause and resided in Burgos, the Nationalist capital.