Carlos Patino

Mrs. Mondesir
8th Grade Language Arts
16 May 2014
Politics during the Spanish Civil War
A country divided in political turmoil, one political extreme clashing
with another extreme. A once royal and elegant country now dominated by
vicious violence and brutality. This perfectly describes the situation of the
Spanish Civil War, one of the bloodiest conflicts fought during the first half of
the twentieth century. One of the bloodiest and most politically motivated
conflicts was the Spanish civil war. Over 200,000 lives were lost in this duel
for control of the Spanish republic. The Fascist-backed Nationalist led by
military general Francisco Franco brutally waged war with the Soviet-backed
Republican leftists, many who were Anarchists and Communists.
The motives behind the Spanish Civil War were highly political. Some
even call it a World War II in miniature, since the Soviet Union and Fascists
nations were heavily involved. Nazi Germany and Italy showed incredible
support for Francisco Franco, the Nationalists general and leader. Although
the Soviets showed some support to the Spanish Republicans, they clearly
feared a left-wing government unresponsive to the Kremlin. (George
Esenwein and Adrian Shuber, Britannica). The Spanish Civil War was clearly a
brawl carried out as a result of the dissolution of the Spanish Monarchy, and
the introduction of a Leftist Spanish parliament. Political turmoil was the true
cause of the war.
Political divisions in Spanish society were mainly due to the end of the
Spanish Monarchy and the introduction of Socialism to Spanish society.
According to Britannica On one side, the Nationalist, were most Roman

Catholics, important elements of the military, most landowners, and many

businessmen. On the other side, the Republican, were urban workers, most
agricultural laborers, and many of the educated middle class.
The differences in Spanish society were clearly shown in the political
parties of Spain in the 1930s. For example, you had the Popular Front, which
consisted of Socialists, Anarchists, and members of the working and middle
classes. On the other hand, you had Fascist Parties such as Falange which
was led by Franco. The war started on July 17, 1936 when a military rebellion
initiated by General Francisco Franco occurred in the Canary Islands. Later on
both sides eventually set up their own governments in the territories. Franco
controlled Spanish Morocco and part of the Guadarrama Mountains.
Republican government took control of the region of Catalonia.
During the war, both the Nationalist and Republican sides were both
supported by Western powers. Since Francos Fascist coup was heavily
financed by Germany. Soldiers, guns, ammunition, and tanks were provided
by Germany. Francos fondness of the of the Nazis even went so far that he
had plans to join Nazi Germany and the Axis powers later during WWII. The
Republicans received supplies such as rifles from countries such as Mexico,
the Soviet Union, and Frances Socialist party. International Brigades which
were coalitions of communist fighters from all over the world set up by
Communist International also provided troops to the Republicans.
The end of the Spanish Civil War was mostly due to more political
division and a civil war within the Republican side. By November 1936,
Francos Fascist forces were outside the city of Madrid, Spain. There was
strife in the air for the Republicans, many extreme leftist were killed by the

Soviet Union for unknown reasons and fervor of anti-communism divided the
Republicans. Eventually through conflict with another, the Republican army
and government divided by war within itself gave up and raised a white flag.
Soon, Francos forces stormed the city and took control. Franco, el
Caudillo, would then be Spains dictator until his death in 1975.
The Spanish was one of the most politically induced conflicts in the
twentieth century. Both extremes of the political spectrum saw combat and
power. Radical political philosophy was something that made this war very
special and unique. It also showed the strength and capacity of alliances
between countries, something that would play a pivotal part during World
War II. Hopefully, we can learn from this civil war and know the dangers and
consequences of letting politics divide a nations populace and society. War
was fought by forces believing that a violent revolution would bring progress
and better life in space. Unfortunately, both sides failed and were able to
create a great government for Spain. If the beliefs become passionate
enough, bullets most likely will start flying. We should take in this mind in our
country, although we may liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican,
we are all members of the same country and desire peace.