Spanish Civil War: Political Shifts and Military Campaigns
The Negrín Government (May 1937 – March 1939)
The May 1937 events in Barcelona downplayed the influence of anarchists, while communists strengthened their positions. Spanish Communists demanded the dissolution of the POUM. Largo Caballero resigned, and Manuel Azaña, President of the Republic, requested the formation of a new Socialist government under Juan Negrín.
The new government was formed by Popular Front parties. Its Cabinet based its policy on prioritizing the military effort, which strengthened central power. To unify the war effort, all militias were integrated into the Popular Army, and control was established over industrial and agricultural production.
Negrín proposed his famous 13 Points, in which he sought to end the armed conflict, ensure the Republic's permanence, and open a democratic election process. The Francoist side did not accept any kind of negotiation.
The Rebel Zone
General Francisco Franco's Rise to Power
On July 24, 1936, the National Defense Junta was established, composed of military personnel and presided over by former General Miguel Cabanellas. Its mission among the rebels was to rule the occupied territory. Its first actions included:
- Banning the activities of all political parties.
- Suspending political activities.
- Ordering the freezing of agrarian reform.
General Francisco Franco increasingly gained adherents to lead the war. On October 1, 1936, the decree appointing him Chief of Government and Generalissimo of the Spanish Armies was published.
Creation of a Single Party
From October 1936, only a military command existed, but there was no political cohesion. Inspired by the model of the Italian and German fascist states, a unique state was born, with a single head holding full powers. In April 1937, Franco announced the Unification Decree, which created a single party: the Traditionalist Spanish Phalanx of the JONS.
The institutionalization of the new Francoist state culminated in January 1938 with the disappearance of the Technical Board and the formation of the first government.
Institutionalized Repression
The construction of the Francoist state was extremely violent, accompanied by the annihilation of the vanquished in the occupied territories. This repression, always planned and systematic, was carried out by the Falange, the army, or the political authorities against anyone suspected of sympathizing with the left.
Key Military Operations
The Advance on Madrid (July – November 1936)
After crossing the Strait of Gibraltar in July 1936, African troops and the Regular Legion, under Colonel Yagüe, had as their main objective the advance towards Madrid. In August, rebel troops advancing from the south took Badajoz and managed to link up in a narrow strip with the rebel zone in the north.
On November 6, the Republican government moved to Valencia, leaving the city in the hands of a junta headed by General Miaja, while the defense strategy for the capital remained in the hands of then-Commander Vicente Rojo. The resistance in the city of Madrid concluded the phase known as the 'Column War'.