TEMA 11 - La Guerra Civil (1936-1939)

Summary

The transcript outlines the key events of the Spanish Civil War, detailing the military uprising that began in 1936, led by General Franco and his allies, including General Mola. The script describes the division of Spain into rebel and republican territories, the growing internal conflict, the involvement of foreign powers like Nazi Germany and Italy, and the extreme violence and terror on both sides. It also highlights significant battles, the rise of Franco's authoritarian regime, and the eventual collapse of the Republic by 1939, leaving a fractured nation. The war's ideological battle between fascism and republicanism marks a pivotal moment in Spain's history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Spanish Civil War began with a military uprising led by General Mola on July 17, 1936, with Franco quickly taking control of key areas.
• 😀 Franco, one of the last generals to join the rebellion, became the commander of the Moroccan troops and later the generalissimo of the rebel forces.
• 😀 The rebellion spread quickly, capturing cities like Seville, and led to a divided Spain with the republicans and nationalists (rebels) facing off.
• 😀 In response to the uprising, Spanish workers' unions declared a general strike, with weapons distributed to workers for self-defense.
• 😀 Barcelona became a key center of resistance, where anarchist CNT members fought back against the rebels, marking a significant moment in the war.
• 😀 After early successes by the nationalists, the rebellion stalled, leading to a prolonged civil war with both sides entrenched in a brutal struggle for power.
• 😀 The nationalist forces quickly restored the Catholic Church to power in the territories they controlled, turning the war into a crusade for Catholicism.
• 😀 In the republican zone, the government lost control, and power shifted to worker and militia organizations, with political repression and violence rampant.
• 😀 External support played a key role, with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supplying the nationalists, while the Soviet Union and the International Brigades supported the republicans.
• 😀 The war became a battle of attrition, with the republicans struggling with internal divisions, and the nationalists pursuing a slow, methodical conquest of the country.
• 😀 After nearly three years of conflict, the republicans were defeated by March 1939, with Franco’s forces taking Madrid, marking the end of the civil war.

Q & A

What was the primary cause of the Spanish Civil War?

The Spanish Civil War was primarily caused by a military rebellion led by General Mola, with Franco's support, against the Republican government. This rebellion escalated into a full-scale war due to political, social, and military divisions within Spain.

How did Franco gain control over the rebel forces?

Franco took control of the rebel forces after Mola’s death. He was elected as the supreme leader of both the military and the government on October 1, 1936, thereby becoming the 'Generalissimo' and consolidating power.

What role did the Catholic Church play during the war?

In the rebel zones, the Catholic Church regained its power and influence. The war was framed as a 'Crusade' to protect the Catholic faith, and the clergy supported the rebellion, contributing to the religious aspect of the war.

What was the significance of the international aid during the conflict?

International aid played a crucial role in the war. Hitler and Mussolini supported the rebels with military equipment, while Stalin's Soviet Union provided assistance to the Republicans, along with brigades of international volunteers. The lack of support from France and Britain severely disadvantaged the Republicans.

What were the 'paseos' and how did they impact the war?

The 'paseos' were a method of terror used by both sides, where suspected political enemies were taken out at night, transported in trucks, and then executed. It resulted in approximately 150,000 deaths during the war.

How did the Republican side respond to internal divisions?

The Republicans were divided between anarchists, communists, and other factions, leading to internal conflicts. This disunity weakened their ability to resist the advancing rebel forces, exemplified by the May 1937 confrontations between anarchists and communists in Barcelona.

What were the consequences of Franco's military strategy during the war?

Franco’s strategy was characterized by slow but methodical advances, including the strategic use of military resources and constant pressure on Republican-held territories. This led to the eventual collapse of the Republic in 1939.

How did the political landscape in Spain change after the war?

After the war, Spain became a fascist state under Franco's leadership. The political structure was centralized under Franco, with the unification of various right-wing factions, including the Falange and Carlists, into one party, which suppressed all other political organizations.

What was the role of the brigades of international volunteers?

The brigades of international volunteers, known as the International Brigades, consisted of around 60,000 individuals from 60 countries. They fought for the Republican side, motivated by anti-fascist ideals and to resist the rise of fascism in Spain.

What were the outcomes of key battles such as the Battle of Guadalajara and the Battle of Teruel?

The Battle of Guadalajara in March 1937 was a significant victory for the Republicans, as they successfully repelled a major Republican offensive. However, the Battle of Teruel (December 1937 to February 1938) was a tragic failure for the Republicans, and Teruel was lost to the Francoist forces.