The Spanish Civil War

Introduction

Between 1931-1933 the Second Republic in Spain, a coalition of moderate socialists with middle class liberal republicans attempted to pass a programme of social reform, however, right wing resistance impelled socialists to fight alone in the hope of establishing an accusingly socialist government.

The Spanish-Civil War began on the 17th July 1936, following a military rebellion by a group of conservative generals, led by Francisco Franco, in opposition to loyalist supporters for the republican government of the second Spanish republic. Thus, Spain became politically and militarily divided by Francos’ war of attrition.

The dispute quickly escalated into a civil war with many calling it a prelude to the Second World War and Claude Bowers, US Ambassador to Spain during the War, who called the Spanish civil war a, “dress rehearsal” for World War Two.

The Spanish Civil War was the first fought in Europe in which civilians became targets en masse, through bombing raids on big cities.

- Helen Graham, The Spanish Civil War: a short introduction

Volunteers from all over the globe arrived in Spain via Paris. Volunteers included, Germans, Italian anti fascists, plush British, French, and Polish left wingers. Some had previous military experience, and some had fought in World War One, whereas others had previous military experience, but simply a determination to stand up for what they believed in.

The Conservative Generals received support from Nazi Germany and fascist Italy, while the republican government received aid from the Soviet Union and countless volunteers, who were willing to give their life for the cause of freedom.

Finally, in April 1939, the war ended victorious for the rebellious ‘nationalists’, thus followed the overthrow of the republican government and the exiling of thousands defeated republican soldiers. Where Spain remained ruled until Franco's death in November 1975.