Spanish Civil War: Military Revolt, Key Battles, and Franco's Rise
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The Military Revolt and the Start of the Spanish Civil War
The military uprising of July 1936 marked the beginning of a civil war that lasted nearly three years. The coup failed in its aim to quickly end the Republic due to the division of the army and the armed resistance of people sympathetic to the Republic. Defenders of the Republic also failed to defeat the rebels.
Republican Spain
The uprising failed in industrial and mining areas, as well as in aviation and marine reserves.
Nationalist Spain
The revolt triumphed with Italian and German aid. Despite the Non-Intervention Committee, the USSR and Mexico aided the Republic with oil and weapons. The USSR and Mexico also provided diplomatic support. International Brigades also provided aid.
Foreign Involvement
Germany and Italy sent troops and airlift support. Portugal and Morocco also sent troops.
Stages and Development of the War
War March on Madrid: Columns, formed by military units, law enforcement, and volunteers, moved from population centers to the confrontation line. The rebels' strategy to access the capital from the north and south failed. An important action in this first phase was the liberation of the Alcazar of Toledo. Franco marched on Andalucía. Mola cut the French border at Irun.
Northern War
German planes bombed the town of Guernica. The Republic launched strikes in the vicinity of Madrid.
End of the War: Battle and Fall of Ebro and Madrid
The Battle of Ebro was an attempt to halt Franco's progression. It lasted four months and involved an unqualified Republican Army. Franco's forces attacked Catalonia on March 5. A coup led to negotiations to end the war in April 1939. The final part of the war was signed by Franco.
Evolution of Republican Spain
War and Revolution: Giral was the head of government. The traditional army disappeared. Anarchists and the POUM wanted a communist revolution, but socialists wanted to leave it for later. This led to confrontation and instability. Giral resigned and was replaced.
Government of Concentration
A government program was established, and significant achievements were made. The government moved to Valencia. The May events in Barcelona started a crisis. The POUM and CNT clashed with communists, leading to their departure from the government. Long-Nin was killed and kidnapped, further destabilizing the government. Another government, chaired by Negrin, was criticized for its centralization.
Birth of the Francoist State
The National Defense Board, presided over by Cabanellas, was established on July 24, 1936. It was a technical board. Ramon Serrano's arrival started the unification decree. The only party allowed was the Spanish Phalanx of Traditionalist National Offensive Boards, following the model of Italian fascism. Labour Law, Press Law, Law of Secondary Education, and social aids were implemented. National Catholicism was established, and the death penalty was enforced.