Civil War, Spanish

War (1936-39) precipitated by a military revolt led by General Franco against the Republican government. Inferior military capability led to the gradual defeat of the Republicans by 1939, and the establishment of Franco's dictatorship.

Franco's insurgents (Nationalists, who were supported by fascist Italy and Nazi Germany) seized power in the south and northwest, but were suppressed in areas such as Madrid and Barcelona by the workers' militia. The loyalists (Republicans) were aided by the USSR and the volunteers of the International Brigade, which included several writers, among them George Orwell.

Chronology

November 1936 Republicans successfully defend Madrid. German and Italian governments recognize Franco's government.

February 1937 Malaga falls to the Nationalists.

1937 Bilbao, Guernica, and the Basque country are bombed into submission by the Nationalists. By the third week of October, Republican resistance in the north is decimated.

1938 Air raids are launched against Barcelona, and Cataluña is cut off from the main Republican territory. In September, there is heavy fighting in Andalusia and Estremuda as well.

January 1939 Barcelona falls to the Nationalists.

29 March 1939 Madrid is occupied by Nationalist troops. Franco goes on to establish a dictatorship.