The Spanish Civil War started in 1936 as a coup but turned into a deadly proxy war, culminating in Franco’s dictatorship following the fall of Madrid in 1939. Major events include the shift from monarchy to republicanism, the rise of fascism through the Falange, international involvement, and the significant destruction of Guernica. The conflict resulted in around a million fatalities and left a lasting impact on Spain’s history.
The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, began as a military coup attempt and quickly escalated into a brutal proxy war resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. This overview covers significant events throughout its course.
On May 17, 1902, young Alfonso XIII took the throne, but his frequent political interventions led to a turbulent period where no less than 33 governments were established in just over two decades. His reign set the stage for upcoming conflicts as political instability brewed.
Fast forward to July 22, 1921, when Berber forces under Abd el-Krim inflicted a significant defeat on Spanish troops during the Rif War. This marked a turning point, highlighting the waning influence of European colonial powers in the region.
On September 13, 1923, General Miguel Primo de Rivera led a coup, overthrowing the parliamentary system with Alfonso’s backing. This move ushered in a dictatorship which ultimately faced severe backlash due to economic struggles brought on by the Great Depression. By January 28, 1930, public discontent led to Primo de Rivera’s resignation.
The situation worsened as Republican sentiments rose against Alfonso’s monarchy, culminating in a meeting in August 1930 to orchestrate his overthrow. Following by April 12, 1931, the municipal elections favored Republican and Socialist candidates, prompting Alfonso to flee the country two days later under threat of insurrection amid military withdrawal of support.
In the meantime, an effort to challenge the Republican government emerged when José Antonio Primo de Rivera founded the Falange Española on October 29, 1933. Drawing inspiration from fascism, the movement initially struggled for traction and depended largely on aid from Mussolini.
February 16, 1936, marked a pivotal shift as the Popular Front led by Manuel Azaña seized power, resulting in widespread strikes and unrest, which brought about more violence and a burgeoning right-wing response. The eventual spark that ignited the Civil War came on July 17, 1936, with the assassination of a right-wing leader, leading Franco and fellow military officers to initiate a rebellion starting in Spanish Morocco.
The following day, Franco declared the uprising, and although his forces quickly captured several cities, they struggled with key targets like Madrid, marking the start of civil confrontation. By October 14, 1936, the first International Brigades arrived in Spain, bringing foreign volunteers to support the Republicans, while Franco’s forces were bolstered by assistance from fascist regimes in Italy and Germany.
As November 6, 1936, approached, Nationalist forces anticipated a quick victory in Madrid, but their advance met powerful resistance, beginning a prolonged siege. Just two weeks later, on November 20, Primo de Rivera, then a prisoner, was executed, becoming a martyr for Nationalist aspirations.
Further devastation occurred on April 26, 1937, with the bombing of Guernica by Nazi planes, which resulted in massive civilian casualties and showcased the sinister efficiency of aerial bombing, inspiring Picasso’s iconic artwork.
By mid-1937, Nationalists had taken Bilbao, tightening their grip as fighting continued without mercy. Yet, the battle had left the Republicans with a growing refugee crisis and diminishing hopes of reclaiming power.
The tide had turned significantly by November 18, 1938, as Nationalists broke through at the Battle of the Ebro—an ultimate blow to the Republicans. Their final defeat came on March 28, 1939, when Nationalist troops marched into Madrid unopposed, marking the collapse of the Republican government. Franco’s victory set the stage for a dictatorship lasting until his death in 1975, a somber legacy within a war that claimed around a million lives.
In summary, the Spanish Civil War, ignited by a failed coup in 1936, transformed into a gruesome conflict with vast political implications, ending in 1939 with Franco’s rise to dictatorship. Key events included the shifting allegiances and the involvement of international forces, demonstrating a stark contrast between fascist and anti-fascist ideologies. The impact of this war reverberated for decades and shaped the future of Spain dramatically.
Original Source: www.britannica.com