AGEOFEXTREMISMREVISIONCivil war in Spain

CAUSES

Divisions within Spain: geographical, social, economic and political.Lack of effective government: weaknesses of constitutional monarchy; contradictory aims of different political parties; coalition governments unable to control Spain.Miguel de Rivera: led bloodless coup in 1923; provided effective leadership as military dictator.World economic crisis after 1929: led to riots; Miguel de Rivera lost support of the army and resigned.Abdication of King Alfonso XIII 1931: feared further bloodshed; Spain became a republic.

MIGUELDERIVERA

THEREPUBLIC19311936

Socialist government of Manuel Azaña 1931–33: attempted reforms; opposition of right wing groups that formed CEDA; some left-wing groups felt the reforms did not go far enough; strikes and riots leading to Azaña’s resignation; Falange (fascist group) established by de Rivera’s son in 1933.CEDA government of José Maria Gil-Robles, 1933–36: reversed Azaña’s reforms, which reunited left-wing groups; riots and strikes; government used army to put down riots.Elections of February 1936: won by left-wing Popular Front; weaknesses of new government; murder of right-winger Calvo Sotelo.Army revolt July 1936: army generals and Falange began revolt in Morocco; Franco assumed leadership.

MANUELAZANA

THECIVILWAR

Nationalists: right-wing groups (church, monarchists, army, monarchists, Falange).Republicans: left-wing groups (socialists, republicans, anarchists, communists, separatists, workers).Foreign involvement: German and Italian support for Franco; other countries remained neutral; International Brigades.Reasons for Franco’s victory: maintained unity between nationalist groups; control of the Spanish army; assistance from Germany and Italy; Lack of unity amongst republicans; refusal of Britain, France and League of Nations to take action.

GENERALFRANCISCOFRANCO