Spanish Civil War

Lore & Background

The Nationalist faction consisted of right-wing groups including the Christian traditionalist party CEDA; monarchists, including both the opposing Alfonsists and the religious conservative Carlists; and the Falange Española de las JONS, a fascist political party. Rebelling units in almost all important cities did not gain control, leaving Spain militarily and politically divided. The rebellion was countered by the arming of left-wing social movements and parties, and the formation of militias, leading to rapid socioeconomic and political transformation in the Republican zone, referred to as the Spanish Revolution.

Reader's Guide

The Spanish Civil War was a pivotal conflict that prefigured the broader ideological struggles of the 20th century. Due to the international political climate at the time, the war was variously viewed as class struggle, religious struggle, or struggle between republican democracy and dictatorship, revolution and counterrevolution, or between fascism and communism. The Nationalist forces received munitions, soldiers, and air support from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, while the Republican government received support from the Soviet Union and Mexico. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, continued to recognise the Republican government but followed official policies of non-intervention. Tens of thousands of citizens from non-interventionist countries directly participated in the conflict, mostly in the pro-Republican International Brigades.

Did You Know?

• The Republican government received support from the Soviet Union and Mexico, while the Nationalists were supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.
• Hundreds of thousands of those associated with the Republicans fled Spain, mostly to refugee camps in southern France.