Spanish Civil War: Origins and Key Events 1936

The Uprising Begins in Melilla, July 17, 1936

The uprising began in Melilla on July 17, 1936. The city was taken easily, matching the events in Ceuta and Tetuan. The government of Quiroga did not take immediate action. Several regions joined the coup, including Seville, almost all the capitals of Castilla, the Balearic Islands, La Coruña, Oviedo, Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel.

Success and Failure Across the Country

The coup saw mixed results in other parts of the country. It succeeded in parts of Aragon, but failed in much of eastern Andalusia due to the limited number of coup supporters and the strong response from opposing parties. The most significant failures occurred in Madrid and Barcelona, where the government launched workers into the streets to confront the coup plotters. A general strike was declared. The quick success of the coup in some areas was due to the coordination of the protagonists, the limited ability of the opposing parties to react, and the attitude of the Guardia Civil.

Strengths of Each Side

The rebels, or Nationalist side, occupied large regions in the south and north of the peninsula, North Africa, the Canary Islands, and the Balearic Islands. The Republican zone was also divided into two: the Nationalist side controlled the Portuguese border, and the Republican side controlled the Pyrenees.

Civilian and Political Support

The middle peasantry largely supported the coup, while farm workers and urban populations generally supported the Republic. The governments of the Basque Country and Catalonia also supported the coup plotters, as the Republic sought to eliminate the Statute of Autonomy.

The Civil War and Foreign Intervention

One of the main factors that explain the outcome of the war is the differing levels of foreign support received by Franco and Mola. Both immediately sought aid from their contacts abroad.

Nationalist Support: Germany and Italy

Franco was particularly successful in securing foreign aid. Germany provided crucial assistance by helping to transport African troops to the peninsula. Both Germany and Italy provided consistent military and economic assistance throughout the war. Mussolini sent approximately 70,000 troops, while Nazi Germany provided troops, weapons, aircraft, and technical and military training.

Republican Support: Soviet Union and International Brigades

The Republican government had less success in securing foreign aid. The French government initially considered selling weapons to the Republic but was deterred by England. England, seeking to avoid a war with the fascist powers over the Spanish crisis, helped create the International Committee of Non-Intervention, which included England, France, Italy, and Germany. However, this committee did little to prevent aid from reaching the rebels.

In response to the expanding fascist influence in the Mediterranean, Stalin decided to intervene by sending arms and men to aid the Republic. Additional support came from the International Brigades, volunteers from around the world trained by the Soviet Army.