Spanish Civil War

A multi-sided civil war in Spain lasting from 1934 to 1938.

The Conflict

Prelude

In 1933, following a right-wing victory in the elections of that year, political tensions climbed considerably. The assassination of Alejandro Lerroux in December of 1933 by a fascist Falangist stalwart enraged Radical Republicans and the general left and brought tensions close to boiling. A brief period of calm would last for several months in early to mid 1934 before a series of strikes across the country in August, September, and October led to the collapse of the 2nd Republic.

Deployment

Initial fighting in late 1934 was small scale in nature, a series of escalating strikes, protests, counter-protests, and riots. However, by mid November the growing civil unrest had descended into outright political violence as armed factions of the country's radical parties began to engage in armed clashes for control over several cities. By December there was no longer any doubting that a Civil War was underway and all parties to the conflict began to rapidly expand their armed factions. Finally, in early January of 1935 a chaotic military coup split the country into distinct factions.

Battlefield

Full fledged fighting erupted in January of 1935 and remained chaotic and small-scale until coherent factions took shape in the Spring of that year. The right, divided between radical fascists and Monarchists, had aligned under right-wing general José Sanjurjo. The left was even more heavily divided, with infighting and open clashes between anarchists, radical liberals, and Republicans. Fighting intensified during the summer of that year as all sides began to employ heavy weapons. By the fall of 1935 the first tanks and aircraft from outside powers were arriving in the country. Full scale general war is generally agreed to have begun from October of 1935. Heavy fighting would continue from late 1935 into the summer of 1938, with fluctuating lines of control and many instances of clashes within forces of "The Right" and "The Left". 1936 would see the first largescale bombing of cities as both sides deployed tactical bombers provided by Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, and France. In 1938 the war would turn sharply in favor of the the right factions despite the assassination of José Sanjurjo in June of that year. A junta under Francisco Franco would take up leadership and ultimately bring the war to a conclusion with a right-wing victory later that summer.

Outcome

The right would ultimately achieve victory, with General Franco heading a fascist government incorporating leaders from across the right.

Start Date

October 4th 1934

Ending Date

August 12th 1938