Spain (1918–39) Notes

Overview

1. While the rest of Europe dealt with dictators and depression, Spain was going through its own slow-burning crisis.
2. The country was deeply divided between rich and poor, the Church and secularists, the army and the people, landlords and peasants.
3. Spain tried democracy with the Second Republic in 1931. But political parties became more extreme, people took sides, and violence broke out.
4. During the civil war in 1936, fascist and conservative forces led by Francisco Franco fighting against a left-wing coalition called the Republicans.
5. By 1939, Franco had won and would rule Spain as a dictator until 1975.

Political, Social and Economic Conditions in Spain (1918–1931)

1. Spain was mostly agricultural, with many peasants living in poverty, especially in the south.
2. The landowning elite, the military, and the Catholic Church held most of the power.
3. The working class in cities and rural areas demanded reforms, while conservatives resisted change.
4. Politically, Spain was unstable: weak governments, election fraud, and uprisings were common.
5. Industrial regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country wanted autonomy, adding to the tension.

The Primo de Rivera Regime (1923–1930)

1. General Miguel Primo de Rivera led a military coup in 1923 with support from King Alfonso XIII.
2. His regime promised reform but relied heavily on military rule and suspended the constitution.
3. He improved infrastructure and tried to modernize the economy, but failed to solve land issues or win over the left.
4. His popularity faded during the Great Depression, and he resigned in 1930.

Polarization and Political Parties under the Second Republic (1931–1936)

1. In 1931, King Alfonso XIII went into exile and the Second Spanish Republic was declared.
2. Early reforms included land redistribution, education expansion, women’s suffrage, and reduced Church influence.
3. The country quickly became polarized between:
   • Left-wing groups: socialists, communists, anarchists
   • Right-wing groups: monarchists, conservatives, the Catholic Church, and the military

4. Street violence, strikes, and attempted uprisings increased throughout the 1930s.

Azaña and Gil Robles

1. Manuel Azaña, a moderate left-wing politician, was Prime Minister and later President. He supported land reform, secular education, and military reform.
2. His reforms alienated conservatives, especially the Church and military.
3. José María Gil Robles led the right-wing CEDA party. Though he worked within the system, many feared he wanted to set up an authoritarian regime.
4. The 1936 elections returned a left-wing Popular Front government, and violence between political groups increased dramatically.

Causes of the Civil War (1936)

1. The immediate trigger was the military uprising in July 1936, led by Franco and other generals.
2. Long-term causes included:
   • Social inequality and land issues
   • Fear of communism and anarchism
   • Opposition to Church reforms
   • Breakdown of law and order

3. The army, Church, and landowners supported the Nationalists; workers, peasants, and urban leftists supported the Republicans.

Foreign Involvement in the Civil War

1. Germany and Italy supported the Nationalists, sending weapons, planes, and troops (e.g. Condor Legion).
2. The USSR supported the Republicans with arms and advisors.
3. International Brigades: Volunteers from around the world came to fight for the Republic.
4. Britain and France officially remained neutral, though some French aid leaked through.

Reasons for Nationalist Victory under Franco (1939)

1. The Republicans were divided between anarchists, communists, and socialists who often fought each other.
2. The Nationalists had a unified command, led by Franco.
3. Nationalists had better access to weapons, foreign support, and military strategy.
4. The Republic struggled with weak leadership, internal purges, and loss of morale.