Spanish Civil War: Key Military Developments

Military Developments in the Spanish Civil War

The Beginning of the Conflict

Military operations began a week after the uprising, initiating the "War of Columns." This period spanned from the start of operations until the rebels' failed attempt to take Madrid. After crossing the Strait, African troops and regular legionaries, under Yagüe's command after suppressing resistance in Badajoz, advanced. In September, Franco ended the siege of the Alcázar. On November 6, the Republican government relocated to Valencia, leaving the defense of Madrid to the Republicans. From November to January, Madrid withstood a frontal assault, aided by the arrival of the International Brigades, concluding the militia resistance phase.

Battles Around Madrid and Occupation of Northern Spain

The second phase involved the reorganization of both armies, particularly the Republican side, with the creation of the Popular Army of the Republic and militarization. The rebels launched two offensives around Madrid to isolate it, resulting in the Battle of Jarama. In the Battle of Guadalajara, Italian fascist troops allied with Franco were defeated by the Popular Army of the Republic. Franco then decided to abandon the attack on Madrid. The fighting shifted north to the Cantabrian front, with major battles occurring between April and October 1937, moving from east to west. The Basque town of Guernica was destroyed by Nazi aviation. Bilbao was occupied in June due to the rebels' superior resources, weaponry, and aircraft. The Republic launched the Brunete and Belchite offensives but failed to prevent Franco's troops from advancing.

Progress Towards the Mediterranean

By December 1937, the Republican army had been restructured. The aim was to strengthen military organization and improve effectiveness to turn the tide of the war. The Battle of Teruel resulted in the Republican occupation of the city. Franco's forces then launched the Aragon offensive, reaching the Mediterranean in April, dividing Republican territory. Franco chose not to attack Catalonia, instead continuing south, leading to heavy fighting in Castellón and Valencia. Their advance was halted when the Republican army launched an offensive on the Ebro River in Tarragona.

The Battle of the Ebro and the End of the War

The Battle of the Ebro was a major military event. An initial deep Republican penetration south of Gandesa led to their occupation of the area, which they held for several months. Franco sent substantial reinforcements, eventually halting the attack. On November 16, the battle ended. The fall of Girona to France resulted in the flight of thousands of refugees. Despite the Republican government's desire to continue fighting, there was no further major resistance. Azaña resigned. In March, an uprising against the Republican government, led by Segismundo Casado, took place in Madrid. Casado believed he could negotiate an end to the war with Franco. The uprising succeeded, and Casado took control of Madrid on March 5 after heavy fighting against communist units. The Defense Council was formed to negotiate an "honorable peace" with Franco. Besteiro's call for reconciliation was in vain. Republican forces were forced to surrender their weapons. On March 28, Franco's troops entered Madrid. On April 1, Franco signed the final war communiqué in Burgos.