Guerra Civil

1.- The outbreak of conflict.
1.1 - February to July.

The months preceding the outbreak of the Civil War were marked by tension between social movements and violence.
Days before the coup the political climate was further strained by the killing of José Castillo Guard assault, perpetrated by Phalangists. As a reaction said Group of assault guards killed a leader of the Spanish right, CalvoSotelo.

1.2.- The coup.
The coup plan was designed by a section of the army after the victory of the Popular Front in the elections of February 1936. General Sanjurjo acted as head of the conspiracy who immediately found support among monarchists and conservative sectors. The director of the conspiracy was however, General Mola.
The Melilla uprising began on 17 July 1936. Shortly after Lt.Col. Yagüe decreed a state of war in Ceuta and the next day, 18 July, the insurgents already dominated the protectorate of Morocco. Army of Africa, the most professional and best equipped became the cornerstone of the time and then the war.
Day 19, General Franco after ensuring the success of lifting the Canaries, reached the city of Tetuan to get ahead of the African troops.
The same day 18GeneralMola declared a state of war in Pamplona and Navarre control.
Also won in Zaragoza and controlled the entire western Andalusia.
But the coup failed in large cities, including Catalonia.

1.3. The failure of the coup in Catalonia.

General Goded led the insurrection in Catalonia, which had a little support from the civilian population and especially the Assault Guards remainedloyal to the Republic, while the Left parties and unions mobilized its members to stop once status.
After two day s of street fighting the military surrender. The coup failed in Catalonia and Madrid, the industrial areas of the Basque Country, Asturias, Santander, Valencia and part of Castile, Extremadura and Andalusia. Spain had been divided into two areas and this led to the outbreak of a civilwar.

2.- The opposing sides.

Spain was divided into two zones with distinct characteristics. Handed over the territory of the Republic where most urbanized and industrialized labor organizations were more ingrained. However the rebels controlled areas predominantly agricultural and livestock with traditional voting rights.
As for the military, as well as the Army of Africa, the rebels hadthe support of much of the infantry regiment and artillery, as well as ls navy officers. Aviation, however was favorable to the Republic.
Social support each sides very difficult to pin down. In general, the rebels received support from a large part of the army, the church and social sectors traditionally conservative landowners and large industrial and financial bourgeoisie. Also someagricultural sectors.
Regarding the republic remained faithful part of the army and security forces, the vast majority of assault guards, and the Military Police Corps, as well as small and medium bourgeoisie, workers and small farmers.


Division of spain July 1936

2.1 The internationalization of the conflict.
Although primarily affecting Spanishsociety, we must place the Civil War in the international context in which it occurred. Many historians have regarded as a prelude to World War II
In 1936, the authoritarian regimes were imposed in many European countries. Characterized by excessive nationalism by enhancing an army, a very aggressive foreign policy.
In the first weeks of the war, Hitler and Franco Mussolinni facilitatedaircraft to pass France's army in the Peninsula. In addition, Italy was facilitated thousands of soldiers and Germany contributed more than 110,000 tons of warlike and aviators (called "Condor Legion").
The Portuguese authoritarian regime facilitated 20,000 volunteers to which is added the Moroccan soldiers recruited in the former protectorate and they join the national army.
In European democracies...