View
233
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
February 2013 – World History II
The Spanish Civil War1936 - 1939
Elections in 1931 transform Spain from a constitutional monarchy led by a semi-dictatorial prime minister into a republic
Background to the Civil War
Catalonia and Basque regions desire independence
The Roman Catholic Church and the Republic share a mutual hostility
Republican government wants to reduce the influence of the military
Spain’s largely agrarian economy has been hit hard by the global depression Resulting unemployment
causes the Republic to lose the support of the working class
Problems faced by the Spanish Republic
These issues divided the Spanish people into two opposing groups:Those on the right wanted to protect the
influence of the Catholic Church, landowners, and the military.
Those on the left believed that the government was not making enough liberal reforms.Wanted a more socialist/communist state and the
overthrow of capitalismSupporters of the Republic, communists/socialists,
and anarchists joined together to form the Popular Front against any opposition
Problems faced by the Spanish Republic
General Francisco FrancoBorn in 1892 to an affluent,
military familyAs chief of staff for the Spanish
military, forms an alliance with the Fascist Falange Party and stages a coup against the Republican government and the Popular Front in July 1936
In October 1936, his military junta appoints him Generalissimo of Nationalist Spain and head of state Almost immediately, Hitler’s
Nazi Germany recognizes Franco as the legitimate ruler of Spain
Hitler sends ground troops, tanks, and air force to support Franco and the Nationalists
Mussolini sends ground troops to support Franco and Nationalists
Stalin sends equipment and advisors to support the Republicans and Popular Front
US, Great Britain, and France declare a policy of non-intervention
International Brigades of socialist and anti-fascist volunteers arrive from the US, Great Britain, and France
International Response to the Civil War
Air raid carried out by German and Italian forces in support of Franco’s Nationalists
Attack on market day killed between 800 and 3000 civilian noncombatants
One of the first raids targeting a civilian population
Nazis regarded this as a training exercise for their newly-formed air force
Quickly became a global symbol of civilian suffering
Air Raid on Guernica - 1937
Hangs in the Museo Reina Sofia in Madrid and in the United Nations as a reminder
Pablo Picasso’s Response
In 1939, after three years of battle, Franco’s forces prevail
Franco establishes an authoritarian dictatorship which lasts until his death in 1975
The Outcome
Hitler has seen how the world will respond to his aggression in other nations.
The Second World War will officially begin by the end of the year.
The Outcome
Recommended