Spanish Civil War: Origins, Factions, & Global Impact

The Spanish Civil War: Origins and Outbreak

From the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic and the victory of the Popular Front, a process of revolution had begun, threatening the interests and privileges of the ruling classes.

On July 18, 1936, a sector of the army carried out a military coup. Popular mobilization failed to stop it, and the coup escalated into a full-scale civil war.

Key Figures and Initial Uprising

• General Emilio Mola
• General José Sanjurjo
• General Francisco Franco

The uprising began in Melilla, where the rebels quickly seized power throughout Moroccan territory. General Franco took command there.

General Sanjurjo, who was initially designated to lead the uprising, tragically died in a plane crash while returning to Spain. Consequently, General Mola assumed the primary role of planning and coordinating the rebel actions.

Government Response and Early Divisions

Meanwhile, the government of Prime Minister Casares Quiroga reacted with indecision and inaction. The uprising rapidly spread to Andalusia and Zaragoza, though it was successfully stifled in Madrid and Barcelona.

Quiroga resigned that night, and President Manuel Azaña appointed José Giral as the new Prime Minister. Giral promptly delivered weapons to organizations loyal to the Republic.

Between July 17 and 20, 1936, the profound divisions within Spain became starkly clear, encompassing the army, territorial control, and economic resources.

The Two Factions: Republicans vs. Nationalists

The Republican Faction (The "Reds")

This faction remained loyal to the Republic and controlled:

• The Mediterranean coast from Catalonia to Malaga
• New Castile, Madrid, and much of Extremadura

They held significant advantages:

• Major industrial and urban centers
• Northern mining regions
• The gold reserves of the Bank of Spain
• Control of the Spanish fleet
• Approximately half of the military personnel

However, their troops were often more unevenly distributed and organized.

The Nationalist Faction (The "Nationals")

This side controlled more rural and conservative areas, including:

• Castile-León, Galicia, Navarra, and Aragon
• Parts of western Andalusia
• The Balearic Islands (except Menorca)
• The Canary Islands
• North African territory

Despite having fewer overall resources, they controlled the main cereal-producing areas. Militarily, they possessed:

• The majority of experienced officers
• Approximately half of the military personnel
• The highly effective Army of Africa, which included mercenaries

International Intervention and Non-Intervention

The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War significantly increased tensions and instability across Europe.

In London, the Non-Intervention Committee was created, with participating nations pledging not to sell or allow the passage of weapons and war supplies to Spain. However, the reality was that some countries continued to aid the rebels.

Foreign Aid to the Nationalists

• Nazi Germany: In response to requests from the rebels, Adolf Hitler ordered aid, disguised as commercial shipments. Germany sent naval and military material, but its most significant contribution was in aviation, notably the Condor Legion.
• Fascist Italy: Italian participation was larger, providing effective air, naval, and military equipment, as well as human support (e.g., the Corpo Truppe Volontarie).
• Portugal: The Portuguese regime also provided crucial logistical support to the Nationalists.

Foreign Aid to the Republicans

The Republicans primarily received aid from the Soviet Union, which provided:

• Food and weapons
• Planes, tanks, and artillery

The Republic paid for these vital supplies using the gold reserves of the Bank of Spain.