Spanish Political Upheaval: Nationalism and Civil War

Nationalist Movements and Political Instability

Nationalistic movements arose in the Basque Country (Partido Nacionalista Vasco - Sabino Arana) and Catalonia (La Liga Regionalista - Francisco Cambó). These movements were largely ignored by the central government. While Catalonia sought negotiation, the Basque nationalists were perceived as xenophobic and irrational. Tensions increased between 1917 and 1920 under King Alfonso XIII due to a lack of effective governance.

Primo de Rivera's Coup (1923)

In 1923, due to governmental failure, General Primo de Rivera staged a coup d'état. His objectives were:

• Stop Political Manipulation: Forbid political parties and trade unions.
• Economic Reactivation: Create corporations, such as Telefónica, to promote industrialization.
• Morocco Resolution: In 1925, the first amphibious operation in Alhucemas helped resolve the Moroccan situation with French support.

Phases of the Dictatorship

Phase 1: Military Dictatorship (1923–1925)

Street violence ceased, but the real activity of workers was merely hidden, not eliminated.

Phase 2: Civil Dictatorship (1925–1930)

An attempt was made to create a governing structure by establishing the Unión Patriota, which became the only recognized party. This failed because it represented no significant portion of the population. Order was established, but the fundamental issues people desired to change remained unresolved.

The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)

The conflict resulted in approximately 500,000 deaths.

Phase 1: Initial Rebel Offensive (July 1936 – March 1937)

Rebel forces received crucial air support from Italy and Germany. General Mola (from Navarre) and Franco (from the South) attempted to capture Madrid. However, the Republican Vanguardia (Vanguard), dubbed the "death army," aimed to crush all opposition to the Republic. Some fascists held out in the Alcázar of Toledo. In August, the rebels executed 3,000 people in the Battle of Badajoz (a tactic used to secure territory). The United Kingdom, USA, and France opposed fascism.

The Battle of Jarama (February 1937) saw the International Brigades (including US and UK volunteers) fighting against fascism. Mola's army failed to cross the Guadarrama forest and was halted by winter conditions in 1937.

Phase 2: Franco Assumes Command (March 1937 – April 1938)

Franco became the supreme commander. His objective was to conquer the North, but he faced a significant challenge: the Iron Belt of Bilbao, a defensive network of fortifications built by the Basque Government.

To destroy this defense, Franco ordered the bombing of Gernika, following instructions from the Nazis. Later, engineer Alejandro Goicoechea (creator of the Iron Belt) defected and provided Franco with the defense strategy. Consequently, Bilbao, Santander, and Oviedo fell in 1937, significantly increasing the territory controlled by the rebels.

Phase 3: The Drive to the Sea (April 1938 – December 1938)

Franco aimed to isolate Barcelona by attacking Zaragoza from the Mediterranean coast. Zaragoza fell in 1939.

Phase 4: Conclusion of the War (December 1938 – April 1939)

Madrid surrendered in March 1939. Three days later, on April 1st, Franco broadcast a message from Burgos via radio announcing the end of the war and the victory of the Nationalist forces.