Spanish Civil War: Societal Impact and Military Dynamics

Societal Impact and Military Dynamics

Hardship and Repression

The severe food shortages led to widespread hunger and the emergence of a black market. Bombings of cities further demoralized the civilian population. Rebel soldiers used extremely harsh repression to terrorize the enemy. The response in the Republican zone was also brutal, and the Government struggled to control it, generating huge disrepute among Western democracies. The Church suffered particularly harsh persecution. Additionally, various local hatreds emerged.

The Refugee Crisis

The refugee issue was a serious problem, particularly in the Republican zone. The first major refugee movement was caused by the Battle of Madrid and the Republican government's decision to move many people to Valencia and Catalonia. The second great displacement of population took place in the Basque Country and Cantabria when the nationwide attack occurred during the summer-autumn of 1937. The last major shift came at the end of the war during the campaign in Catalonia, when many sought refuge in France.

Military Organization and Foreign Aid

Nationalist Forces

After the failure of the July 18th declaration, the Nationalists declared a general mobilization in the areas they controlled. In the early days of the war, the Army of Africa was their primary strike force. On the Peninsula, the rebel forces initially relied on militias, including the Requetés and Falangists. Foreign aid was crucial for their initial survival and later victory in the war.

Republican Forces

In the Republican zone, efforts were made to organize a disciplined and adequately armed army. At first, the army remained loyal to the Republic but eventually disappeared, replaced by militias. These were organized by political parties or trade unions. Two key elements allowed the Republic to organize its defense:

• Military aid from the USSR: The Soviet Union sent all types of military equipment, technicians, and military advisors.
• The International Brigades: These consisted of volunteers from around the world who came to defend Spanish democracy against fascism.

By the spring of 1937, the two armies faced each other, now more organized.

Regional Nationalisms and Autonomy

Rebel military leaders, from the outset, declared their inclination towards centralism, contrary to peripheral nationalisms. Galician nationalism had little opportunity to demonstrate its strength or adopt its Statute.

Basque Autonomy

To gain the loyalty of the Basque Country, the Republic recognized the Statute of Estella. The PNV (Basque Nationalist Party) formed the first government under the chairmanship of Lehendakari José Antonio Aguirre. Their isolation allowed them to exercise maximum autonomy beyond the statute, which included:

• Focusing all the powers and functions of the state.
• Creating a regular army (Gudaris).
• Maintaining international relations.

This autonomy was maintained even until the conquest of Bilbao.