Spanish Civil War Terms

CNT

The National Confederation of Labour, a revolutionary, anarchist labor organization that formed prior to the Spanish Civil War.

UGT

A trade union founded by Barcelona printing workers in 1888, supporting republicanism and socialism with a membership of 100,000 by 1913.

Primo de Rivera

Former right-wing dictator of Spain until 1930 known for establishing martial law and implementing strict censorship.

FAI

An anarchist group born from the CNT, which sided with the Left in the Popular Front in 1936, advocating labor improvements through extreme methods.

FNTT

Federación Nacional de Trabajadores de la Tierra, a militant socialist-led peasant workers' union that led land seizures and estate occupations.

Anti-Clericalism

A movement against the Catholic Church in Spain, motivating Left-wing Republicans to unify and resulting in reforms against church influence.

Nationalists

A Front composed of right-wing wealthy elites and military officers backing Franco and fighting for traditional Spanish values and Catholicism.

Republicans

A political coalition consisting of anarchists, socialists, and communists that represented the left wing during the Spanish Civil War.

Guernica

Site of the intentional German aerial bombing of Spanish civilians in 1937, approved by Franco.

Francisco Franco

Conservative monarchist 'caudillo' of Spain who initiated a military coup to overthrow the republic, leading to the Spanish Civil War.

Second Spanish Republic

The government from 1931-1939 that was overthrown by Franco's military rebellion, marked by division among various political groups.

Juntas

Military councils that led Africanista troops and played a role in suppressing left-wing revolts.

Africanistas

A brutal military group based in Spanish Morocco that provided elite troops to Franco’s forces.

Asturias

Region where mining protesters took over police barracks, justifying the right's military coup due to unmanageable leftist protests.

Catalán Separatists

Groups in Catalonia seeking self-government and independence from Spain, hoping for support from the republican left.

Falange

A fascist movement with anti-communist and nationalist ideals influenced by right-wing dictatorships.

CNCA

Nationalist Catholic landowners feeling persecuted by anti-Catholic Republicans, striving to protect Catholic interests.

CEDA

Catholic wealthy landowners who resorted to military revolt after failing in political pursuits, supporting Franco.

José Maria de Robles

Right-wing Catholic journalist and founder of CEDA in 1933 who opposed the Second Republic.

Popular Front

A 1936 coalition representing left-wing elements that intensified campaigns against the Church, diminishing Catholic political influence.

José Calvo Sotelo

Right-wing political leader whose assassination triggered the military rebellion against the Popular Front.

Battle of Madrid

The siege from October 29, 1936, to November 23, 1939, which ended in Franco's rise to power due to superior Nationalist forces.

Alfonso XIII

King of Spain who resigned in 1931, yielding power to the Republic before the Spanish Civil War.

Málaga

City where Nationalists/Italians rapidly eliminated Republicans, showcasing brutal repression against collectivization efforts.

'No pasarán'

Slogan meaning 'They Shall Not Pass,' used by Republicans in Madrid to resist Franco's entry.

International Brigades

Volunteer military units from countries like Britain and the USA supporting the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.

Aragon Campaign

Crucial military action during which Franco's forces, aided by Italian and German support, advanced through Aragon.

NIC

Non-Intervention Committee established to limit foreign material flow into Spain, which was largely ignored by Italy and Germany.

Condor Air Legion

German air force unit known for their bombing campaigns, particularly the attack on Guernica, supporting Nationalist forces.

POUM

A Marxist left-wing group founded in 1935 that faced violent persecution from the Stalinist-affiliated Spanish communists.

Delores Ibarruri

Spanish communist politician known for uniting the left and popularizing the slogan 'No pasarán'.

Mujeres Libres

A movement that encouraged women in Spain to participate in the war effort, setting up hospitals and working in factories.

George Orwell

British Marxist writer who fought in the Spanish Civil War and authored anti-communist literature.

1938 Labour Charter

Agreement ensuring fundamental worker rights under Franco's regime, but criminalized strikes with severe penalties.

Law of Cortes of 1942

A powerless parliament under Franco's dictatorship that created a facade of a constitutional government.

Council of State

Franco's advisory cabinet that assisted in his governance as Caudillo.