Key Events of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Franco's forces arrival in Southern Spain

July 1936, with help from Germany and Italy.

Britain and France's policy in August 1936

Non-intervention policy; it mainly benefited the Nationalists.

New Republican government formed in September 1936

Largo Caballero.

Key city taken by Nationalists on 13 September 1936

San Sebastián, most of Northern Spain with many industries.

Franco became head of the Nationalists

1 October 1936.

Soviet intervention began

29 October 1936.

Major international action on 29 October 1936

German and Italian planes bombed Madrid, beginning the Madrid Siege.

Republican government left Madrid for Valencia

6 November 1936.

Nationalists abandoned attempt to take Madrid

23 November 1936.

Significance of the Battle of Jarama in February 1937

Nationalist offensive to cut links between Madrid and Valencia failed; Russian tanks and planes played a crucial role.

City that fell to Nationalists on 8 February 1937

Málaga.

Battle of Guadalajara in March 1937

Nationalist offensive on Madrid from the north failed; major defeat for Italian army; Soviet equipment vital for Republican success.

Political groups united by Franco in April 1937

Carlists, Fascists, and Monarchists into one movement.

Event on 26 April 1937 in Guernica

German Condor Legion bombed and destroyed Guernica.

Largo Caballero fell from power

15 May 1937.

New Republican government formed on 17 May 1937

Juan Negrín (PSOE - Socialist Workers' Party).

Bilbao fell to the Nationalists

June 1937.

Republican offensive that failed in July 1937

Offensive to break the siege of Madrid at Brunete.

Republican offensive that failed in August 1937

Attempt to break out from Madrid to the north-east at Belchite.

Part of Spain captured by Nationalists in September 1937

The rest of Northern Spain, including Asturias (industrial area).

Republican Popular Army's success in December 1937

Captured Teruel in central Spain.

February 1938 event involving Teruel

Nationalists retook Teruel and launched an advance to the Mediterranean to cut off Catalonia.

April 1938 event for Republican Spain

Nationalists reached the Mediterranean (at Vinaroz), splitting Republican Spain in two.

Major offensive that failed for Republicans in July 1938

The offensive on the River Ebro.

City that fell to Nationalists in February 1939

Barcelona.

Nationalists entered Madrid

28 March 1939.

Franco declared the war over

1 April 1939.