Spanish Civil War

Lore & Background

The Nationalist faction included right-wing groups such as the Christian traditionalist party CEDA, monarchists (both Alfonsists and Carlists), and the fascist Falange Española de las JONS. 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, leading to rapid socioeconomic and political transformation in the Republican zone, referred to as the Spanish Revolution.

Reader's Guide

The Spanish Civil War is significant for the passion and political division it inspired worldwide, and for the many atrocities that occurred. Organised purges took place in territory captured by Franco's forces to consolidate power, and mass executions occurred in areas controlled by the Republicans. 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. Hundreds of thousands of those associated with the Republicans fled Spain, mostly to refugee camps in southern France; many of those who stayed were persecuted by the victorious Nationalists.

Did You Know?

• Tens of thousands of citizens from non-interventionist countries directly participated in the conflict, mostly in the pro-Republican International Brigades.