The Spanish Civil War: Origins, Uprising, and Early Campaigns

The Spanish Civil War: A Nation Divided

The Spanish Civil War constitutes one of the worst episodes in our identified history. The conflict began with the Popular Front's victory in the elections of February 1936. Conditions of living in Spain had become difficult, marked by multiple social and economic policy tensions. The existence of nationalism within the Spanish state acted with significant strength and little restraint. Soldiers had been key players in several coups, and the poor distribution of land led to increased discontent among farmers. Labor riots and revolutionary malaise were rampant; many could not bear the treatment received in the Second Republic.

The Conspiracy and Republican Response

The conspiracy was disorganized. The most important conspirator was Mola, based in Pamplona. Franco and Cabanellas were also involved, and members of the CEDA attended meetings. At no time did they consider the possibility of a full-scale Civil War. The Republic was not unaware of this situation and acted with measures such as dispersing suspected military personnel and appointing trusted individuals to high army positions.

The Uprising and Its Spread

The uprising was initiated in Morocco on July 17. Two days later, Franco assumed command, and on the 18th, the uprising spread to the Iberian Peninsula.

Geographical Distribution of Control:

• The rebels won in provincial capitals due to the conservative character of Galicia and the left-wing tradition of Andalusia.
• They did not immediately win in New Castile and Catalonia, as the revolt depended on Madrid and Barcelona, which were left-wing strongholds.
• The Basque Country was divided: Álava favored the rebels, while Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya opposed them due to their nationalism.
• In Valencia, although the rebels were defeated, there was much resistance.
• In the Balearic Islands, Mallorca and Ibiza rose, but not Menorca.

Progress of the War

The War of Columns (July-November 1936)

Between July and November 1936, both sides sought to expand their territory, with one side often on the defensive. African troops were used to attack Madrid but were stopped in its Popular Front-held suburbs. The Popular Front's successes were minor; their advance toward the capital from Catalonia and Aragon was soon halted, and an attempt to take Mallorca from Barcelona failed.

The Battle for Madrid (November 1936)

By late November, foreign aid began to arrive, and the war underwent a significant change. Franco's objective was to occupy Madrid to seize communications, but he could not change tactics to defeat the Republican resistance. Franco then concentrated his forces in the north, which was weaker.

Northern Front and Guernica (1937)

1937 was a crucial year. The violence became utterly brutal, acquiring new levels of ferocity. German aviation bombed Durango and Guernica, employing tactics later seen in World War II. Taking Santander was relatively easy, but the resistance in Asturias was fierce. Popular Front troops launched three offensives to distract Nationalist troops: in Segovia, La Granja, and Brunete. However, the Belchite offensive failed.