The Spanish Civil War: Origins, Battles, and Aftermath

The Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided (1936-1939)

The Military Uprising and Initial Divisions

On July 17, 1936, a military uprising began in Melilla, Morocco. Over the next few days, this rebellion extended across the Spanish peninsula and its archipelagos, despite the initial passivity of Prime Minister Santiago Casares Quiroga. The insurrection, led by Generals Emilio Mola, Gonzalo Queipo de Llano, Manuel Goded, and Francisco Franco, achieved significant early successes in areas such as Galicia, Old Castile, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands.

However, the uprising faced strong resistance and ultimately failed in key regions like the Basque Country, Catalonia, and Madrid, where it encountered its greatest setbacks. In summary, this military uprising did not possess widespread popular support. This critical situation led to the country being sharply divided into two distinct zones, marking the definitive beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

Two Opposing Sides: Nationalists and Republicans

The country was now split. On one side were the Nationalists (or "sublevados"), who quickly gained control of agricultural and livestock-producing areas. They also had the support of a well-prepared and disciplined army. On the other side were the Republicans (or "Reds"), who retained control of the wheat-producing regions, but whose army was largely disorganized and fragmented.

The Nationalists, under the control of their generals, established a militarized, authoritarian regime. In contrast, the areas held by the Republicans saw power largely fall into the hands of workers' organizations. The initial phase of the war was marked by enormous repression across the country, leading to numerous uncontrolled assassinations and excesses. However, the Republican government gradually began to monitor and control the situation.

Crucial International Intervention

The collaboration of Germany and Italy was fundamental to the Nationalist cause. Thanks to their assistance, an air bridge was established, allowing the rapid transport of Franco's troops from Morocco to the peninsula, a critical strategic advantage.

Key Campaigns and Battles

The Advance on Madrid and Early Atrocities

In their advance towards Madrid, General Juan Yagüe took Badajoz, imposing a brutal repression that became infamous. Another significant event was the siege of the Alcázar of Toledo, which the Nationalists exploited for propaganda purposes in November 1936.

The Battle for Madrid (November 1936)

The Battle of Madrid began in November 1936. The Republican forces, primarily the Popular Front, were significantly aided by the International Brigades, composed of foreign volunteers. Madrid was heavily bombed, but its defenders bravely resisted the attacks and ultimately held their ground. Following this failure, General Franco chose to encircle the capital, but his attempt to take it again failed. This led him to shift his strategy, deciding to attack the weaker Republican areas instead.

The Northern Campaign (1937)

Between March and December 1937, the Nationalists conquered the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias. A particularly devastating event during this campaign was the bombing of Guernica by the German Condor Legion, an act that shocked the world. Republican forces attempted to reconquer lost territories but failed, and the Nationalist advance continued towards the conquest of Aragon. This further divided the Republican zone into two increasingly isolated parts.

The Battle of the Ebro and Republican Decline

The greatest deterioration for the Republican side occurred during the Battle of the Ebro, which resulted in over 100,000 deaths. The subsequent fall of Catalonia served as the final prelude to the end of the war, leading to a massive division of the Republican side and a huge exodus towards France.

The War's End and Nationalist Victory

General Juan Negrín, with the support of communists and socialists, attempted to defend the Republic at all costs, hoping to integrate the conflict into a wider European war and secure international allies. However, Colonel Segismundo Casado disagreed with this strategy and staged a coup, leading to Negrín's defeat. Casado then demanded total surrender from the Republican forces.

On March 28, 1939, Nationalist troops entered Madrid. Finally, on April 1, 1939, the Spanish Civil War officially ended, marking the beginning of Franco's long dictatorship.