Spanish Civil War

:Alternative meaning: Spanish Civil War, 1820-1823

The war: 1936

:For a fully detailed chronology see Spanish Civil War chronology 1936.

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In the early days of the war, over 50,000 people who were caught on the "wrong" side of the lines were assassinated or summarily executed. The numbers were probably comparable on both sides of the lines. In these paseitos ("promenades"), as the executions were called, perpetrated by both sides, the victims were taken from their refuges or jails by armed people to be shot outside of town. Probably the most famous of these was the poet and dramatist Federico García Lorca. The outbreak of the war provided an excuse for settling accounts and resolving long-standing feuds. Thus, this macabre practice became widespread during the war in areas conquered by either side. In most areas, within each village, both sides committed these assassinations.

Related Topics:
Executed - Federico García Lorca

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Any hope of a quick ending to the war was dashed on July 21, the fifth day of the rebellion, when the Nationalists captured the main Spanish naval base at Ferrol in northwestern Spain. This encouraged the Fascist nations of Europe to help Franco, who had already contacted the governments of Germany and Italy the day before. On July 26, Germany and Italy cast their lot with the Nationalists.

Related Topics:
July 21 - Europe - Germany - Italy

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The Axis Powers helped Franco from the very beginning. His Nationalist forces won another great victory on September 27 when the city of Toledo was captured. A Nationalist garrison under Colonel Moscardo had held the Alcazar in the center of the city since the beginning of the rebellion. Two days later Franco proclaimed himself Generalísimo and Caudillo ("chieftain") while unifying the various Falangist and Royalist elements of the Nationalist cause. In October, the Nationalists launched a major offensive toward Madrid, but increasing resistance by the government and the arrival of "volunteers" from the Soviet Union halted the advance by November 8. In the meantime, the government shifted from Madrid to Valencia, out of the combat zone, on November 6.

Related Topics:
Axis Powers - September 27 - Toledo - Alcazar - Generalísimo - Caudillo - Falangist - November 8 - Valencia - November 6

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On November 18, Germany and Italy officially recognized the Franco regime, and on December 23, Italy sent "volunteers" of its own to fight for the Nationalists.

Related Topics:
November 18 - December 23 - Italy

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