Understanding the Spanish Civil War: Causes, Phases, and Impact

The Spanish Civil War

Causes of the War

The causes that gave rise to the Spanish Civil War include:

• Ending the chaos that existed.
• Fear of the ruling classes of being removed by a social revolution.
• European instability, which made it a prologue to World War II.

The Uprising

Emilio Mola attempted an uprising in Madrid to end the Second Republic, but failed. This prolonged the conflict, giving way to the Spanish Civil War.

Beginning of the Conflict

The war started on July 17, 1936, in Morocco, where Franco was in charge. The next day, it extended to the Iberian Peninsula.

• Conservative ideology regions (Navarra, Galicia, and Castilla y León) supported the uprising.
• In Andalusia, the rebels came to power, albeit precariously.
• The uprising in Madrid and Barcelona failed because of poor coordination and lack of support.
• Basque Country, Santander, Asturias, and the east supported the Republic.

The Three Phases of the War

First Phase

The first phase was characterized by the system of columns for the rebels and the creation of Republican militias. The rebels faced problems such as a lack of resources in the north and a large army in Africa. The rebels counted on the support of Italian and German forces. The "Moors" first advanced through Extremadura, with Yagüe staying at the gates of Madrid. Consequently, the government moved to Valencia.

Second Phase

This phase involved properties for modernization, the use of strategic plans, psychological warfare, and military operations such as Jarama and Guadalajara. In Guadalajara, the Italian forces supporting the rebels were defeated by the Republican People's Brigade. After these defeats, Franco moved north to cut energy and industrial supplies. Franco surrounded Catalonia and defeated the Republicans in the Battle of the Ebro, a long and grueling battle. Barcelona was taken in January 1939.

Third Phase

The Republicans held out in Madrid and unconditionally surrendered to Franco in April 1939, thus ending the Civil War.

Consequences of the War

Economic Impact

The country was in ruins. Infrastructure, roads, bridges, trains, railway lines, and buildings were destroyed. Agricultural production fell by 20%, and industrial production by 30%. Upon payment of Soviet aid and supplies sent by Germany and Italy, the Franco government had a debt of 1,000 million dollars. The war brought economic losses valued at 35,000 million pesetas.

Social Consequences

Hunger, poverty, and food rationing plagued Spain for more than ten years. There were 145,000 deaths on the war fronts and 400,000 injured in combat. Between 35,000 and 50,000 people were shot by the Franco regime between 1939 and 1945. There were 500,000 exiles (including scientists, doctors, and intellectuals), and when some returned thinking there would be peace, they faced jail and repression. 300,000 were imprisoned.