An Iberian tragedy
The Right and the Left struggle for dominance
The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict that took place in Spain from 1936 to 1939. It was a result of the political and social upheaval in the country, which was deeply divided between the left-wing Republican government and the right-wing Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. The war had a profound impact on the people of Spain and had significant international repercussions.
The war began on 17th July 1936, and it was a brutal and bloody conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Eventually, the Nationalist side gained a majority of territory, and the country was split in two.
Many of the Republican forces fled into France in 1938. The rest surrendered to the Nationalists in March 1939 and the war officially ended on 1st April 1939, but the impact of the conflict would be felt for decades to come.
Over 500,000 people had been killed, and the conflict left deep scars on all Spaniards. It also brought about a dictatorship in the country as Franco became the Spanish leader.
Life Magazine article featuring the famous Robert Capa photo, titled "Death in Spain: The Civil War has taken 500,000 lives in one year". Although this figure may be inflated, it demonstrates the level of death and destruction that the was inflicted on the country.
Possibly the most famous photo of the Spanish Civil War. Taken by renowned Life Magazine photographer Rpbert Capa on 5th September 1936, it captures the moment Federico Borrell Garcia, a member of the "Lberian Federation of Libertarian Youth" (FIJL), is killed during fighting in the Cerro Muriano region.
Prelude
The war was a major ideological and political struggle between the Republican government and the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. The war was sparked by a number of factors, including economic and political unrest, deep social and regional divisions, and rising tensions between different political groups.
One of the key individuals involved in the prelude to the war was General Francisco Franco, who emerged as the leader of the Nationalist forces. Franco had long been a controversial figure in Spanish politics, and he used his position as commander-in-chief of the Spanish Army to launch a military coup against the democratically elected government.
The reasons for the war were varied, but one of the major issues was a deep social and economic divide between the urban and rural areas of Spain. The country was also deeply divided along regional lines, with Catalonia and the Basque Country having a distinct culture and language from the rest of Spain.
Francisco Franco, leader of the Nationalist forces.
Map showing the regional divisions in Spain. This was included in the Communist magazine 'To-morrow', published in December 1936.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
...The war was also driven by a desire for political control...
The war also had a strong ideological component, with the Nationalists being largely supported by the Catholic Church and the traditional conservative elite, while the Republicans were supported by a broad coalition of leftist and liberal groups.
The war was also driven by a desire for political control, with both sides wanting to gain control of the government and shape the future of Spain.
Crowd at a land reform meeting near Badajoz Late April-early May, 1936.
David Seymour / Magnum Photos
Causes of the war
A divided country: Map taken from a 1937 magazine 'No Pasaran', produced by the Belgian Labour Party. It identifies which regions had cast most votes for the left and right-wing political parties in the February 1936 parliamentary election. Areas coloured black had a left majority, white areas had a right majority, light grey areas were closely divided between left and right, and the dark grey area had voted for parties of the centre.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
- Economic and political unrest: Spain was facing a period of economic crisis and political instability in the years leading up to the war, with high unemployment and widespread poverty.
- Social and regional divisions: Spain was deeply divided along social and regional lines, with a sharp divide between urban and rural areas, and between Catalonia and the Basque Country and the rest of Spain.
- Rising tensions between political groups: Spain had a highly fragmented political landscape, with a number of different political groups and factions vying for power and control of the government.
- Ideological differences: The war had a strong ideological component, with the Nationalists being largely supported by the Catholic Church and the traditional conservative elite, while the Republicans were supported by a broad coalition of leftist and liberal groups.
- Desire for political control: Both sides wanted to gain control of the government and shape the future of Spain, which led to a struggle for power and ultimately to the outbreak of war.
Nationalist Anti Communist Spanish Civil War Propaganda Poster "Jamas" (Never).
Unknown - Original Vintage Anti Communist Spanish Civil War Propaganda Poster Jamas Never at 1stDibs
Republicans of leftist parties demonstrating in the streets of Barcelona against Franco's attempt to overthrow the Republic in July 1936.
Getty Images
The Nationalists
A Nationalist propaganda poster titled "Crusade: Spain is the spiritual guidance of the world", reflecting that Catholic State religion of Spain was very wealthy and feared the ‘godless communists’ and out of self interest, sided with Franco and the nationalists.
Propaganda Artwork of the Spanish Civil War – David Rothwell (wordpress.com)
In terms of leaders, General Francisco Franco emerged as the leader of the Nationalist forces and later became the leader of Spain.
Other key Nationalist leaders included General Emilio Mola, General José Sanjurjo and General Gonzalo Queipo de Llano.
These leaders played a crucial role in the organization and leadership of the Nationalist forces and helped to shape the direction of the war.
The Nationalist forces were ultimately able to gain the upper hand in the war due to a combination of superior military equipment and tactics.
They had access to modern tanks, aircraft and artillery, which they used effectively in the early stages of the war to cut off Republican supply lines and encircle major Republican-held cities.
They also made use of fast-moving mobile units which were able to outflank the Republican forces. The Nationalist forces were also supported by foreign fighters from Italy and Germany, known as the Condor Legion and the Blue Division respectively.
Nationalist troops aim their rifles near Navacerrada, outside Madrid, during December 1936. In October Franco had launched an offensive against the city, the seat of Republican power, forcing the government to shift to Valencia as his troops stormed in. But their offensive was eventually repulsed, leading Franco to try and cut off supply routes into the capital in what became known as the Second Battle of the Corunna Road.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
...the Nationalist forces were able to gain the upper hand by using a combination of superior military equipment and tactics...
One of the most important factors of the Nationalist army was its unity, as Franco was able to establish a unified command structure that allowed the different units to work together effectively. This unity helped the Nationalists to achieve major victories, such as the Battle of Madrid in 1936, which marked the beginning of the end for the Republican government.
In terms of military strategy, the Nationalist forces were able to gain the upper hand by using a combination of superior military equipment and tactics. The Nationalists were able to cut off Republican supply lines and encircle major Republican-held cities.
Francoist artillery positions to the west of Madrid in November, 1939. These guns participated in Franco's first assault on Madrid, with troops initially making their way into the city before being pushed back. That began a three-year siege of the capital that ended with its capture and brought the conflict to a close.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
Map showing the distribution of industry and agriculture across Spain. Territory under Nationalist control is shaded grey, territory under Republican control is white. This cutting is from an unidentified newspaper in 1937.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
The Republicans
The Republican side was led by President Manuel Azaña and Prime Minister Juan Negrín. They had a number of key military leaders, including General José Miaja, General Vicente Rojo, and General José Asensio Torrado. These commander played a crucial role in the organization and leadership of the Republican forces, but their efforts were not sufficient to achieve a victory.
The Republican forces were primarily composed of government soldiers, along with some civilian volunteers and foreign fighters, known as the International Brigades.
The Republican forces were at a disadvantage in terms of military equipment and tactics. They were outmatched by the Nationalist forces, who had access to modern tanks, aircraft, and artillery. The Republican forces were also hampered by a lack of unity, with different groups and factions having competing interests and agendas.
Republican propaganda poster "Quiet".
...the Republican forces were outmatched by the Nationalist forces, but their resistance and determination were significant....
Republican milita during the Spanish Civil War 1936.
Despite these challenges, the Republican forces were able to hold out for a long period of time and put up a strong resistance. They were able to achieve some notable successes, such as the Battle of Guadalajara in 1937, in which they successfully repelled a Nationalist offensive.
Overall, the Republican forces were outmatched by the Nationalist forces, but their resistance and determination were significant. They were able to maintain control of key cities and regions for a prolonged period of time, but ultimately, the Nationalist forces were able to achieve a victory and the war ended in 1939.
Commander of the Republican women's squad on the Western Front of Madrid, January 1937. At this point the city had been under bombardment for months with key supply routes cut off. Sensing weakness Franco launched a second assault on the city, but was again turned back by entrenched Republican troops.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
Map showing the location of key mineral deposits and related industry. Territory under Nationalist control is shaded grey, territory under Republican control is white. This was included in the pro-Republican journal 'The War in Spain: A Weekly Summary', 12 February 1938.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
Outbreak of war
The July Uprising of 1936 in Spain marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War. The uprising was organized by a group of military officers who opposed the left-wing government of the Second Spanish Republic, and it quickly spread throughout the country. The uprising was met with resistance from supporters of the Republic, including labor unions and left-wing political parties, who mobilized in defence of the government.
Map taken from The Daily Mail, 8 August 1936, showing the territory thought to be in the hands of the rebels (referred to by the Mail as "Patriots (Anti-Reds)"). It accompanied articles about "the Red's reign of terror" in government Spain.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
The war began on July 17, 1936, when a group of Nationalist military officers, led by General Francisco Franco, staged a rebellion against the democratically-elected Republican government. The Nationalists, who were largely made up of conservative elements of society, including the military and the Catholic Church, were opposed to the government's progressive social and economic policies.
The Republicans, on the other hand, were made up of a coalition of leftist groups, including socialists, communists, and anarchists.
Barricade after the nationalist uprising in Spain on 19th July 1936.
Public Domain
The Spanish Civil War and Revolution 1936-1939 < Socialistisk Bibliotek (socbib.dk)
A brutal conflict
The war was characterized by brutal and intense fighting, with both sides committing atrocities against civilians. The Nationalists, who were supported by fascist regimes in Italy and Germany, were particularly ruthless in their tactics, and there were widespread reports of mass killings, torture, and forced disappearances of civilians suspected of supporting the Republican government.
The Republicans also committed atrocities, particularly against the Catholic Church and conservative elements of society.
Both sides in the Spanish Civil War were capable of acts of brutality. This photo shows the capture of Nationalist commander Rafael Ortiz de Zárate, leader of the sublevation in Guadalajara, by loyalist militia and policemen after the recapture of the city. Spanish Civil War, July 22, 1936. He was executed shortly after this photo was taken.
Around 50,000 people were killed or executed in the early days of the conflict for being on the wrong side of the lines. The victims were kidnapped from their refuges or cells by armed people to be shot outside of town during these paseos (strolls).
The bodies were either abandoned or buried in graves dug by the victims and when discovered, simply noted by local police. Federico Garcia Lorca, the poet and dramatist, was probably the most renowned victim of these atrocities.
...simmering anger quickly found a terrifying outlet...
Sadly, the advent of the war provided an opportunity to settle accounts and settle long-standing feuds. As a result, this grim practice spread throughout conquered areas during the conflict and became a sadly depressing feature of the conflict. Long-running disputes, political and ideological disagreements and suppressed, simmering anger quickly found a terrifying outlet once the first shots of the war had been fired.
Key clashes
- Battle of Jarama: fought from the 6th to the 27th of February 1937, it was one of the first major battles of the Spanish Civil War. The Republican army launched an offensive against the Nationalist forces, but the attack was ultimately unsuccessful.
- Battle of Guadalajara: fought from the 8th to the 23rd March 1937, it was a significant Republican victory that saw the International Brigades (volunteers from around the world) play a crucial role in repelling the Nationalist forces.
- Battle of Brunete: fought from the 6th to the 25th of July 1937, it was a Republican attempt to break through Nationalist lines and capture the strategic town of Brunete. Despite initial gains, the Republicans were ultimately defeated.
- Battle of Santander: fought from the 14th of August to the 1st of September 1937, it was a Nationalist victory that saw the capture of the northern city of Santander.
- Battle of Belchite: fought from the 24th of August to the 7th of September 1937, it was a Nationalist victory that saw the destruction of the town of Belchite, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Italian tankettes advancing with an Italian L3 Lf flame thrower tank in the lead at the Battle of Guadalajara, Spain, 1937. The battle, which marked yet another attempt by Franco's forces to surround Madrid, was the only registered defeat of Nationalists during the war.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
- Battle of the Aragon Front: fought from the 24th of August to the 7th of November 1937, it was a Republican offensive that aimed to break through Nationalist lines in the Aragon region. The offensive ultimately failed, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
- Battle of Teruel: fought from the 15th of December 1937, to the 22nd of February, 1938, it was a major Republican victory that saw them capture the town of Teruel, although they were forced to retreat after a Nationalist counteroffensive.
- Battle of the Segre: fought from the 25th of July to the 25th of August 1938, it was a Republican attempt to break through Nationalist lines on the Segre River. The attack was initially successful, but the Nationalists ultimately pushed the Republicans back, leading to a Nationalist victory.
This map shows the area to the east of Bilbao, and was published in The Manchester Guardian on 1 June 1937. It includes the towns of Guernica and Durango, both of which had suffered devasting aerial bombardment, and shows the positions of the opposing forces.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
- Battle of the Ebro: fought from the 25th of July to the 16th of November 1938, it was the final Republican offensive of the war, which saw them launch a surprise attack across the Ebro River. The attack was initially successful, but the Nationalists eventually pushed the Republicans back.
- Battle of Ebro Delta: fought from the 16th to the 18th of August 1938, it was a Republican attempt to establish a beachhead in the Ebro Delta, but they were ultimately repelled by Nationalist forces.
Francoist artillery battery, most likely Condor Legion soldiers, firing against Republican resistance, probably near Amposta during the last steps of the Battle of the Ebro, Autumn 1938. The battle was launched by Republicans attempting to reconnect their strongholds in Catalonia, to the north, and in Valencia, to the south. It ultimately ended in their defeat, and spelled the beginning of the end for their cause
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
International response
In terms of international response, the reaction to the Spanish Civil War was divided and complex. Many countries initially declared neutrality, including Britain, France, and the United States.
The war was seen as a proxy battle between the fascist regimes of Italy and Germany and the Soviet Union, and many countries were reluctant to get involved.
A non-intervention policy was established by non-belligerent countries in an attempt to prevent the war from escalating into a larger conflict.
However, the foreign support to both sides, particularly the German and Italian support to the Nationalists, made a mockery of the non-intervention policy.
Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supported General Franco's Nationalist forces with weapons, supplies, and troops. In contrast, the Soviet Union and communist groups provided support to the Republican forces.
A group of Italian soldiers on the Guadarrama Front construct a makeshift bomb thrower. In the background, a row of soldiers lean on sandbags, their rifles at the ready.
...The war created a power struggle between democratic and fascist forces...
The conflict also polarized public opinion in Europe and beyond, with leftist and anti-fascist groups rallying in support of the Republicans while right-wing and fascist groups backed Franco.
The war created a power struggle between democratic and fascist forces and contributed to the growing tensions in Europe leading up to the Second World War.
The eventual Nationalist victory would help pave the way for the rise of fascism in Europe.
The International Brigades
The International Brigades were volunteer military units composed of foreign fighters who traveled to Spain to fight for the Republican cause during the Spanish Civil War.
The Brigades were formed by left-wing and communist organizations from around the world, and included soldiers from over 50 countries.
Many of the volunteers were motivated by a desire to fight fascism and defend democracy.
...volunteers faced persecution and repression in their home countries...
Despite their efforts, the Republican forces ultimately lost the war, and the International Brigades were disbanded in 1938. The volunteers faced persecution and repression in their home countries, particularly in Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, where they were often imprisoned or executed.
Irishmen Frank Ryan and John Quigley Robinson of the XV International Brigade in Spain, October 1937. Ryan led a contingent of almost 200 Irishmen to Spain to fight in the 15th International Brigade for the Republicans against Franco while Robinson was the Battalion Commissar.
Doug Banks / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images of volunteers who fought Franco in Civil War | Daily Mail Online
Effect on civilians
The Spanish Civil War had a devastating impact on civilians, who suffered from violence, displacement, and economic hardship.
The conflict led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with estimates suggesting that up to 500,000 people may have died during the war.
Civilians were frequently caught in the crossfire between Republican and Nationalist forces, and many were deliberately targeted by both sides. There were numerous atrocities committed during the war, including mass executions, torture, and rape.
The war also led to significant displacement, with millions of people forced to flee their homes to escape the violence.
Many refugees faced extreme poverty and difficult living conditions, as they struggled to find food, shelter, and medical care.
Civilian refugees from the Spanish Civil War.
Mandeville Special Collections Library. University of California at San Diego,
...businesses were destroyed, and the agricultural sector was devastated...
The economic impact of the war was severe, with the country's infrastructure and economy in ruins. Many businesses were destroyed, and the agricultural sector was devastated, leading to widespread hunger and malnutrition.
The war also had long-term psychological effects on civilians, with many suffering from trauma, depression, and other mental health problems.
Guernica
The bombing of Guernica was a devastating attack on the small Basque town of Guernica, Spain, on the 26th April 1937.
It was carried out by German and Italian aircraft in support of General Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces. The bombing was intended to demoralize the Republican population and destroy the Basque resistance movement.
The attack lasted for three hours and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians, many of whom were women and children. The destruction of the town was almost complete, with the majority of the buildings destroyed or severely damaged.
The bombing of Guernica had a significant impact on the course of the Spanish Civil War and became a symbol of the indiscriminate and devastating nature of modern warfare.
The event inspired the famous painting by Pablo Picasso, which depicted the suffering of the civilian population and has since become an iconic anti-war symbol.
Guernica after the bombing. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy used the the attack, as a chance to practice aerial bombing before the Second World War started.
Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
The Spanish Basque town of Guernica in ruins after the 1937 bombing by Nationalist forces.
Guernica: The History Behind Pablo Picasso's Seminal Work (singulart.com)
Timeline of events
Spain in early 1936: The country is divided and about to be plunged into civil war. The landowners, monarchists and Spanish church all feared the increasingly left-wing direction the country was taking. Right-wing extremists were already carrying out acts of violence in protest. Civil war would soon follow.
Infographic Giving Information on The Spanish Civil War - Answers (mapsofworld.com)
- 17th July 1936: Spanish Civil War begins with a military uprising against the democratically-elected government.
- August 1936: Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco launch an offensive on Madrid.
- November 1936: Republican forces successfully defend Madrid from Nationalist attack.
- Battle of Guadalajara in March 1937 - Republicans win an important victory against Nationalist forces.
- April 1937: German Condor Legion and Italian Fascist volunteers bomb the Basque town of Guernica, killing hundreds of civilians.
- July 1937: Nationalist forces capture the city of Santander.
A Republican volunteer.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
Female fighters were common place during the Spanish Civil War.
Milicianas: 30 Amazing Photos of Female Combatants in the Spanish Civil War ~ Vintage Everyday
- March 1938: Nationalist forces capture the city of Teruel.
- April 1938: Republican forces launch an unsuccessful offensive against Nationalist forces in Aragon.
- January 1939: Nationalist forces capture the city of Barcelona, effectively ending the war.
- 1st April 1939: General Franco declares victory and establishes a dictatorship in Spain.
- 1946: The United Nations lifts its embargo on Spain, allowing it to re-enter the international community.
- 1975: General Franco dies, and Spain transitions to a democracy under King Juan Carlos I.
Map of Spain in 1939 - the unified and more organised Nationalists control most of the country and the Republicans - who have been hampered by factional infighting throughout the conflict - are staring defeat in the face.
Infographic Giving Information on The Spanish Civil War - Answers (mapsofworld.com)
Aftermath
The aftermath of the Spanish Civil War was marked by a period of repression and political violence under the regime of General Francisco Franco. Following his victory, Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. Under his rule, political dissent was suppressed, with thousands of people imprisoned, tortured, and executed for opposing the regime.
The war also had long-lasting effects on the Spanish economy, which remained largely isolated from international trade and investment for several decades. The country experienced significant poverty and economic hardship, and many people were forced to flee to other countries in search of better opportunities.
The Guardian Newspaper, 29 March 1939.
The end of the Spanish civil war - archive, 1939 | Spain | The Guardian
Soldiers march past the reviewing stand during the Nationalist victory parade in honour of General Franco, 19 May 1939.
Hugo Jaeger/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
The end of the Spanish civil war - archive, 1939 | Spain | The Guardian
...efforts were made to address the human rights abuses of the Franco era...
In the years following Franco's death, Spain transitioned to a democracy, and efforts were made to address the human rights abuses of the Franco era. The government established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate crimes committed during the war and its aftermath, and in 2007, a law was passed granting reparations to victims of the Franco regime.
Despite these efforts, however, many Spaniards continue to grapple with the legacy of the war and its impact on their country.
Conclusion
The Spanish Civil War was a complex and devastating conflict that had far-reaching consequences for Spain and the world. It highlighted the ideological and political divisions that were emerging in Europe in the lead-up to World War II and caused significant suffering and displacement for civilians.
The war also had a long-lasting impact on Spain, with the country struggling to recover economically and politically for many years after Franco's dictatorship.
Although the war has been over for decades, its legacy continues to shape Spanish society and politics today.
This map was included in a leaflet for a proposed National Emergency Conference on Spain, to be held on 23 April 1938. Territory under the control of "fascist" governments is highlighted in black, to emphasise what the author argues is an encirclement of France by fascist powers, and a threat to British trade routes in the Mediterranean.
Spanish Civil War maps - Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick
Literary responses to Spanish Civil War
Many writers and artists from around the world were drawn to the conflict, either as participants or as observers, and their responses to the war have become an important part of the literary canon.
One of the most famous literary responses to the Spanish Civil War is George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia, a memoir of his time fighting on the side of the Republicans.
Orwell's account is notable for its unflinching portrayal of the brutality and chaos of war, as well as its criticisms of the political infighting and corruption within the Republican ranks.
Another notable literary response to the Spanish Civil War is Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls, a novel that tells the story of an American volunteer fighting on the Republican side.
Hemingway's novel is noted for its vivid depictions of the Spanish landscape and its exploration of themes such as sacrifice, heroism, and the nature of war.
Other writers and artists who responded to the Spanish Civil War include Pablo Neruda, , Andre Malraux, Arthur Koestler, and Robert Capa, among many others.
George Orwell's book, Homage to Catalonia, is one of the most famous books about the Spanish Civil War.
30 Perfectly Colorized Photos From History - Wow Gallery | eBaum's World (ebaumsworld.com)
...The literary world also saw its own casualties during the conflict....
Their works reflect the wide range of emotions and perspectives that the conflict inspired, from anger and disillusionment to hope and idealism.
The literary world also saw its own casualties during the conflict. The death of Federico García Lorca, a well-known Spanish poet and dramatist, motivated other literary figures to respond to the war.
Lorca ran a travelling theatre in the Spanish countryside, preaching socioeconomic equality through the arts. He was arrested and executed by a Nationalist militia in July 1936. There are numerous explanations about Lorca's death because although supposedly an apolitical figure, he was seen as also openly supporting the Republic.
Regardless of the truth, his death motivated other literary figures such as Pablo Neruda, to commit to openly opposing fascism.
Thousands of volunteer fighters from America joined the conflict and were followed by journalists looking to cover the fighting. Among them was Ernest Hemingway, pictured here speaking with German intellectuals Ilya Ehrenburg and Gustav Regler. Hemingway had traveled to the country with filmmaker Joris Ivens, who supported the Republican cause. Hemingway would later write the famous novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls about the Spanish Civil War.
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Colour images bring home reality of Spanish Civil War | Daily Mail Online
Timeline
Made with Visme Infographic Maker
Further reading
Further watching
"Land and Freedom" is a 1995 film directed by Ken Loach, depicting the Spanish Civil War from the perspective of a young British communist, David Carr. The film portrays the political divisions within the anti-fascist coalition and the debates over revolutionary tactics, such as land reform and collectivization.
Carr joins a POUM militia unit in Catalonia, where he falls in love with a fellow fighter and witnesses the harsh realities of war. The film raises questions about the nature of revolution, the relationship between individuals and political organizations, and the role of foreign intervention.
It is a powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of a complex and tumultuous period in European history.
An outstanding film.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Civil_War
From the Joseph R. Knowland collection at the Oakland History Room, Oakland Public Library.
https://www.history.com/news/5-famous-coups
Joel Beliviure / Mediadrumworld.com
Doug Banks / Mediadrumworld.com
https://davidrothwellgraphics.wordpress.com/2017/02/12/propaganda-artwork-of-the-spanish-civil-war/
David Seymour / Magnum Photos
http://paintedback.blogspot.com/2016/01/loyalist-militiaman-at-moment-of-death.html
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205020905
https://socbib.dk/the-spanish-civil-war-and-revolution-1936-1939/
Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc/archives_online/digital/scw/maps
Mandeville Special Collections Library. University of California at San Diego,
https://chnm.gmu.edu/wwh/p/243.html#
Hugo Jaeger/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images
The end of the Spanish civil war - archive, 1939 | Spain | The Guardian
https://www.vintag.es/2017/05/30-amazing-photos-of-militia-women.html
https://www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/10-writers-participated-spanish-civil-war.html?edg-c=1
Infographic Giving Information on The Spanish Civil War - Answers (mapsofworld.com)
Paul Preston, The Spanish Civil War (2016)
Antony Beevor, The Battle for Spain (2006)
Adam Hochschild, Spain in Our Hearts (2016)
Giles Tremlett, Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through a Country's Hidden Past (2007)
Stanley Payne, The Spanish Civil War, The Soviet Union, and Communism (2004)
Hugh Thomas, "The Spanish Civil War" (2003)
George Orwell, "Homage to Catalonia" (1938)
Paul Preston, “The Spanish Holocaust: Inquisition and Extermination in Twentieth-Century Spain.” (2013)
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum