Spanish Civil War: Military and Political Developments

The Military Development of the War

General Franco was appointed to lead the Moroccan troops from the Canary Islands. Transporting these troops to the mainland presented a significant challenge, ultimately achieved with German and Italian air support. Once across the Strait, rebel forces advanced through Extremadura towards Madrid via the Tagus Valley. The capital's resistance in the ensuing battle shattered the rebels' hopes of a swift victory.

Key Military Campaigns

• The Northern Campaign: Rebel troops captured Bilbao, Santander, and Asturias. This campaign included the internationally infamous bombing of Guernica-Lumo. General Mola was killed during this offensive.
• The Battle of Teruel: This battle witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the war, with control of the city changing hands multiple times before finally falling to Franco's forces.
• The Battle of the Ebro: Initiated by the Republican army in an attempt to regain the initiative, this battle ultimately resulted in a decisive insurgent victory.
• The Surrender of Madrid: Weakened by exhaustion and internal dissent, Madrid fell to Franco's forces, facilitated by the plotting of anti-government Republican politicians and military figures.

Political Developments in the Republican Zone

The Republican zone faced serious challenges in forming a regular, disciplined army. The Republic's defense relied heavily on inexperienced volunteer militias, plagued by shortages of weapons and food. The Non-Intervention policy further hampered the government's ability to acquire essential supplies.

Disunity among Republican supporting groups posed another critical problem. Anarchists viewed the war as an opportunity to advance the revolution, socializing land and factories. Winning the war became secondary to achieving these revolutionary goals.

The events in Barcelona exemplified this disunity, leading to Largo Caballero's downfall and the formation of a new government under the Socialist, Negrin. Negrin's attempts to negotiate with Franco failed, and his policy shifted towards "resistance at all costs."

Political Developments in the Nationalist Zone

The rebels, calling themselves Nationalists, entrusted leadership to a military junta. General Sanjurjo, initially slated to assume power, died in an accident. In October, the junta consolidated power under General Franco, appointing him Generalissimo of the army and Head of State.

All political forces were merged into a single party, the Traditional Spanish Falange de las JONS (National Syndicalist Offensive Boards), led by Franco. A first government was formed in 1938, with Franco also assuming its presidency.

Consequences of the Civil War

The war's demographic impact was devastating, with countless violent deaths compounded by those caused by hunger and disease. The economic consequences were equally severe, marked by crop losses and the cessation of industrial activity.

Repression was rampant on both sides. In the Republican zone, uncontrolled groups carried out extrajudicial killings, often targeting political opponents. Notable among these events was the assault on the Model Prison in Madrid. The Nationalist side engaged in systematic repression, condoned and even encouraged by those in power. The goal was not merely to defeat the enemy, but to eliminate them. This repression persisted throughout and after the war.