Spanish Civil War: Political and Social Dynamics of Nationalist and Republican Factions

The Nationalist Zone: Establishing a New Order

Upon the death of General Sanjurjo, there was no clear leadership. A general meeting created the Board of National Defense, which served as an interim government. They immediately established a state of war, abolished freedoms, and dissolved all political parties except the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS (Falange). Propaganda justified the military insurrection as a National Uprising against a "Marxist and anti-Spanish Republic," framing the war as "a crusade to rid Spain of atheism."

Economic reforms were implemented to cancel Republican reforms. The Servicio Nacional del Trigo (National Wheat Service) was also created to control wheat distribution and provide bread to the people.

On October 1, 1936, Francisco Franco was elected Head of Government in Spain, largely due to his military successes and his leadership of the Army of Africa. In 1937, the Decree of Unification was approved, consolidating Falangists and Carlists into the Falange and the Traditionalist Movement nationwide. The models of single-party states, as seen in Italy and Germany, were imposed in Spain.

The central administration of the state concentrated power in the figure of Franco, the Caudillo, who held executive, legislative, and judicial authority. Furthermore, the press law established censorship on all publications, and labor freedom ended, establishing state control over national employers' organizations and workers' unions.

The new regime established a religious state, restoring the Church's influence and abolishing civil marriage and divorce. This established National Catholicism. Eventually, legislation was created that institutionalized repression against the defeated. In February 1939, the Law of Political Responsibilities was approved, which attributed culpability to all those who had opposed the National Movement.

The Republican Zone: Revolution and Resistance

The failure of the military coup led to a genuine social revolution in the Republican zone. Committees and trade unions became essential in controlling the economy.

In September 1936, a unity government was established, headed by Largo Caballero, with ministers from the PSOE, PCE, and other parties. The challenge to regain control and create a centralized power structure to manage the war was very difficult, as the various factions were far apart.

The May 1937 crisis led to the resignation of Caballero's government. The new government, headed by Juan Negrín, had a majority of PSOE ministers but increasingly inclined towards the positions defended by the PCE. Although it was too late to change the course of the war, this government focused on directing the economy and ultimately built a Popular Army, ending the independent discipline of the militias.

Since March 1938, when Franco's troops had divided the Republican territory, two opposing positions emerged: the official stance of Negrín's government to resist, and that of some leaders who advocated negotiation. International events such as the Munich Pact, the withdrawal of the International Brigades, and internal events like the fall of Catalonia, conveyed the idea that the war was lost.