Spanish Civil War Nouns

Generalissimo

Generalissimo

A title signifying the highest-ranking military officer, typically commanding all the armed forces of a country. During the Spanish Civil War, Francisco Franco adopted this title as he consolidated power over the Nationalist forces and later the entire country.

Cult of the Caudillo

The “Cult of the Caudillo” refers to the glorification and personality cult around the Spanish authoritarian leader Francisco Franco, who was known as “El Caudillo” (The Leader). It involved propagandistic efforts to portray Franco as a heroic, paternal figure central to Spain’s identity, which helped to consolidate his control over the Nationalist movement.

Separatist

A separatist is an individual or group advocating for the secession of a region from its parent country. In the Spanish context, separatist movements, particularly in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country, sought autonomy or independence from centralized Spanish control, which became a significant issue in the lead-up to and during the Civil War.

Anti-clerical

Anti-clericalism refers to opposition to the influence of the Catholic Church in political and social affairs. In Spain, this sentiment was prevalent among the Republicans, leading to acts such as the burning of churches and monasteries, seen as symbols of oppression by conservatives.

Latifundia

Large estates owned by wealthy landowners, especially in southern Spain. The latifundia system involved vast tracts of land worked by poor laborers and contributed to social inequality, which was a significant cause of tension in pre-Civil War Spain

Universal Male Suffrage

The right of all adult men to vote, regardless of income, property, race, or social standing. In Spain, universal male suffrage was granted in the early 1930s, giving more people a voice in government and changing the dynamics of political power.

Military Coup

A sudden, often violent, seizure of governmental power by the military. In 1936, a coup attempt by elements of the Spanish military, led by Franco and other generals, initiated the Spanish Civil War.

Catalan Autonomy

Refers to the political and cultural independence of Catalonia, a region with a distinct identity and language. The Second Spanish Republic granted Catalonia a degree of autonomy in 1932, though this was contested during the Civil War.

Militia

A military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers. Various Republican-aligned militias formed to resist Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, often associated with labor unions and political parties

Left vs. Right Wing

This term denotes ideological differences: the left generally supports social equality, labor rights, and anti-fascist policies, while the right typically favors tradition, authority, nationalism, and in Spain, the Catholic Church. The Spanish Civil War was largely a clash between these opposing ideologies.

Polikarpov I-15 & I-16

Soviet-made fighter planes supplied to the Spanish Republicans by the Soviet Union. The I-15 was a biplane, and the I-16 was an early monoplane, both used in aerial combat against Nationalist and German Luftwaffe forces

Messerschmitt Bf 109

A German fighter aircraft used by Nationalist forces, provided by Nazi Germany. Known for its speed and maneuverability, it was one of the most advanced fighter planes of its time and became a symbol of German support for Franco.

Tupolev SB-2

A Soviet twin-engine bomber supplied to Republican forces. It was effective in bombing Nationalist positions and was one of the faster bombers in service at the time.

Heinkel He 111

A German medium bomber provided to Nationalist forces by Nazi Germany, notable for its role in bombing missions like the attack on Guernica, which symbolized the brutal tactics of total war.

Guerra Celere

An Italian term meaning "rapid war," it describes the quick, mechanized warfare strategies supported by Italy during the Spanish Civil War, aiming for fast, decisive movements that were characteristic of the early forms of blitzkrieg tactics.

T-26

A Soviet light tank used by the Republicans.

Panzer I

A German light tank used by the Nationalists.

Incendiary Bombs

Bombs designed to start fires, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. Used notoriously in the bombing of Guernica, they became symbolic of the horrors civilians faced.

Guerrilla Tactics

Irregular warfare tactics that rely on small, mobile groups of fighters using ambushes and sabotage to weaken a larger, traditional army. Guerrilla warfare was commonly employed by Republican militias and partisans.

Conditional Surrender

A surrender in which the losing party maintains certain rights or conditions. In the Spanish Civil War context, many combatants preferred such terms rather than facing persecution from the opposing side.

Internal Civil Conflict

An armed struggle within a single country between differing groups. The Spanish Civil War was a prime example, with Republicans and Nationalists representing opposing visions for Spain.

Conscription

Mandatory enlistment into the military, enacted by both the Republicans and Nationalists to bolster their forces throughout the war.

Labour Unions

Organizations of workers advocating for better conditions and rights. Labor unions like the anarchist CNT played a major role on the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War.

Collectives

Workers’ or farmers’ cooperatives that controlled factories or land collectively. These emerged, particularly in Republican-controlled areas, as a form of socialist economic reform.

Armaments

Weapons and military equipment. Both sides in the Spanish Civil War relied heavily on foreign armaments, especially from the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy.

Appeasement

A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding war by making concessions to aggressive powers. Some European countries, particularly Britain and France, practiced appeasement toward Fascist countries that supported Franco.

Communism

A political and social ideology advocating for the elimination of class differences through collective ownership. The Spanish Republican side included many Communists, backed by the Soviet Union.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian ideology characterized by nationalism, militarism, and dictatorial power. Franco’s Nationalists, supported by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, embodied Fascist principles.

Propaganda

Information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause. Both the Republicans and Nationalists used propaganda to gain support and demonize the opposition.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that could be harmful or politically undesirable. Both sides in the Spanish Civil War engaged in censorship to control the flow of information.

Barter Economy

An economic system in which goods and services are exchanged directly without money. Due to shortages, some areas in Republican-held Spain resorted to a barter economy during the Civil War.

Civil Marriage

Marriage conducted as a civil contract by the state rather than a religious institution. This concept gained acceptance in Republican areas where anti-clerical sentiments were strong.

Junta

A group or council, often military, that rules a country after seizing power. Various juntas played crucial roles in organizing Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War.

Miguel Primo de Rivera

A Spanish general who led a military dictatorship from 1923 to 1930. His regime aimed to modernize Spain but ultimately faced opposition from many sectors, leading to his resignation. His rule paved the way for political instability, contributing to the conditions that led to the Spanish Civil War.

King Alfonso XIII

The King of Spain from 1886 until he went into exile in 1931, after the establishment of the Second Spanish Republic. His support of Primo de Rivera's dictatorship damaged the monarchy’s reputation, and his abdication marked the end of the monarchy in Spain until it was restored decades later.

Alejandro Lerroux

A Spanish politician and leader of the Radical Republican Party, who served as Prime Minister during the Second Republic. His centrist stance made him an important figure in the early years of the Republic, although his involvement in corruption scandals weakened his influence.

Niceto Alcalá-Zamora

A moderate Republican and the first President of the Second Spanish Republic from 1931 to 1936. He tried to bridge the divide between left and right factions in Spain but was eventually replaced due to his opposition to the Popular Front, a left-wing coalition.

Largo Caballero

A prominent Spanish Socialist and trade unionist, often called the "Spanish Lenin." He served as Prime Minister in 1936 and led a coalition of Socialists and Communists within the Republican government. His policies and leadership style divided the left-wing factions during the war.

President Alcala-Zamora

Refers again to Niceto Alcalá-Zamora, who served as the first President of the Second Republic. His dismissal in 1936 by the Popular Front parliament further polarized the political landscape.

Jose Maria Gil-Robles

A right-wing politician and leader of the CEDA (Spanish Confederation of Autonomous Right-wing Groups). His conservative policies and calls for authoritarian reforms worried Republicans and left-wing groups, contributing to the polarization that led to the war.

General Jose Sanjurjo

A military leader who initially supported the monarchy but later led a failed coup against the Republic in 1932, known as the "Sanjurjada." He was a key organizer of the 1936 military rebellion but died in a plane crash at the onset of the Civil War.

Indalecio Prieto

A Socialist leader who advocated for Republican reforms and served in various government roles, including as Minister of Defense. Prieto was instrumental in organizing the Republican military and was a prominent voice of moderation within the left.

Prime Minister Santiago Casares Quiroga

Prime Minister of Spain at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. A Republican, he failed to address the growing unrest and resigned as the military rebellion began, which left the Republic unprepared for the conflict.

General Emilio Mola

A leading Nationalist general who played a crucial role in organizing the military uprising against the Republic. He developed the coup’s overall plan and strategy, coordinating with Franco and other generals, but died in an aviation accident during the war.

Antonio de Oliveira Salazar

The authoritarian Prime Minister of Portugal who led the Estado Novo regime. Although Portugal was officially neutral, Salazar provided material support and refuge to Franco's Nationalist forces.

General Francisco Franco

The leader of the Nationalist forces and, ultimately, the dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975. Franco rose to power through his leadership in the Civil War and established a long-lasting authoritarian regime, marking him as one of the most influential figures in modern Spanish history.

General Yagüe

Known as the "Butcher of Badajoz" for his role in the massacre of Republican forces and civilians in Badajoz, Yagüe was a close associate of Franco and one of the leading Nationalist military commanders, known for his brutality.

Adolf Hitler

The leader of Nazi Germany who supported Franco’s Nationalists by sending the Condor Legion, a unit that conducted bombing campaigns in Spain. Hitler’s involvement turned Spain into a testing ground for Germany’s military tactics.

Benito Mussolini

The Fascist dictator of Italy who supported Franco by sending troops, planes, and other resources. Mussolini’s intervention in the Civil War was part of his larger plan to spread fascism and strengthen ties with Germany.

Joseph Stalin

The leader of the Soviet Union who provided military aid and advisors to the Republicans, motivated by a desire to combat fascism and support Communist ideals. However, his support was limited and often came with political strings attached.

Dr. Juan Negrin

The last Prime Minister of the Republican government, he sought to prolong the war to draw international support and advocated for a “war to the death” policy. Negrin’s policies and Soviet ties made him a controversial figure within Republican circles.

Leon Blum

The socialist Prime Minister of France who wanted to support the Republicans but faced significant pressure at home and abroad to remain neutral. Blum’s government ultimately provided limited assistance, despite his sympathies with the Republican cause.

Federica Montseny

A prominent anarchist and the first female cabinet minister in Spain (and Europe), serving as Minister of Health. She advocated for progressive reforms and played a key role in organizing health and social services for the Republican side.

Dolores Ibárruri

Known as “La Pasionaria,” she was a Communist leader and passionate orator famous for her slogan, "¡No pasarán!" ("They shall not pass!"). She became a symbol of Republican resistance and was one of the most prominent voices in support of the anti-fascist struggle.

Milicianas

Refers to the women who volunteered in Republican militias and took part in combat, challenging traditional gender roles. The "milicianas" became symbols of the Republican fight for social equality and gender liberation.

Lina Odena

A Communist militant and militia leader who became an icon of Republican resistance. She committed suicide rather than be captured by Nationalist forces, becoming a symbol of sacrifice and loyalty to the anti-fascist cause.

Pact of San Sebastian (1930)

A meeting held in San Sebastian, Spain, where various opposition groups and political leaders united to discuss removing King Alfonso XIII and establishing a democratic republic. This agreement laid the groundwork for the formation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, as it represented a coalition of Republicans, Socialists, and Catalan nationalists.

Agrarian Reform Law (1932)

A significant but controversial piece of legislation passed by the Second Republic aimed at redistributing large estates (latifundia) to landless peasants. It sought to reduce rural inequality by expropriating underused lands from wealthy landowners. However, the slow and bureaucratic implementation of the law disappointed many peasants, contributing to social unrest.

Law of Obligatory Cultivation (1931)

This law required landowners to cultivate their lands or lease them to peasants to reduce rural unemployment and increase food production. It targeted unproductive estates, especially in Spain’s south, to alleviate poverty among rural workers and address food shortages.

Law of Municipal Boundaries (1931)

Aimed to protect local laborers by mandating that landowners prioritize hiring workers from the same municipality, which helped prevent landowners from bringing in cheaper, outside labor. The law supported rural job security, especially for agricultural workers, though it was highly contentious among landowners.

Catalan Statute (1932)

A legal framework granting Catalonia a degree of autonomy within the Spanish state, including control over regional government, language, and culture. It was an essential part of the Republic's attempt to address regional aspirations and nationalist sentiment, particularly in Catalonia. However, the Nationalists saw it as a threat to Spanish unity.

Law for the Defence of the Republic (1931)

This law allowed the government to take broad actions to protect the Republic from perceived threats, including censorship, banning demonstrations, and restricting certain political organizations. It gave the government significant powers to suppress right-wing and left-wing extremists and was criticized as a tool of repression.

Non-Intervention Agreement (1936)

An agreement initiated by France and the UK in which European powers, including Italy and Germany, pledged not to intervene in the Spanish Civil War. However, the agreement was largely ineffective, as Germany and Italy continued to support the Nationalists, while the Soviet Union sent aid to the Republicans. The agreement hindered the Republicans more, as it limited access to foreign aid.

“A Preliminary Official Report on the Atrocities Committed in Southern Spain in July & August, 1936”

This document, produced by the Republican government, detailed the violence, executions, and repression carried out by Nationalist forces in the early months of the Spanish Civil War. The report aimed to draw international attention to Nationalist atrocities and gain sympathy for the Republican cause.

Labour Charter (1938)

An economic and social policy document enacted by Franco’s Nationalist government during the war. It emphasized the primacy of the state, the corporate structure of labor relations, and the responsibilities of both workers and employers, reflecting fascist ideals. It became part of the ideological foundation for Francoist Spain’s labor laws.

Decree of Unification (1936)

A decree by Franco that merged the Falange (the Spanish fascist party) with the Carlist movement, creating the single party known as the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista (FET y de las JONS). This decree consolidated Franco’s power by uniting Nationalist factions under a single party, further strengthening his authoritarian control.

Spanish Morocco

A Spanish protectorate in North Africa, this region held strategic importance for Spain due to its resources and proximity to the mainland. Spanish Morocco played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War as the base of Francisco Franco’s military uprising in July 1936. Many experienced soldiers from the Spanish Army of Africa, including the Spanish Foreign Legion and Moroccan troops (Regulares), participated in the Nationalist cause, and early in the war, German and Italian planes helped airlift these troops to mainland Spain.

Basque Country

An autonomous region in northern Spain with a strong cultural identity and separatist tendencies. The Basque Country was predominantly Republican during the Civil War and supported the fight against Franco's forces. In 1936, the Basque Statute of Autonomy granted the region self-governance within the Republic, although this autonomy was short-lived. The bombing of Guernica by the German Condor Legion, a Nationalist ally, became a tragic symbol of the war's brutality and the suffering inflicted upon civilians.

Asturias

A mountainous region in northern Spain with a history of leftist activism and workers’ movements. Asturias was known for its significant mining industry and radical workers’ unions, which led to the Asturian miners' uprising in 1934. This uprising, though suppressed, underscored the social tensions in Spain and set the stage for the broader conflict that would erupt in 1936. During the Spanish Civil War, Asturias was again a Republican stronghold until it fell to Franco’s forces in 1937 after intense fighting.

Catalonia

A region in northeastern Spain with a distinct language and culture and a long-standing desire for autonomy. Catalonia was a stronghold of the Republican government and leftist forces during the Spanish Civil War. The Catalan Statute of Autonomy granted it self-governance in 1932, allowing the Catalan government to control local affairs. The region became a center for anarchist, socialist, and Communist groups, playing a vital role in the Republican defense. However, Catalonia fell to Nationalist forces in early 1939, marking a significant turning point in the war.

Spanish Republic

The Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939) was the democratic government established after the abdication of King Alfonso XIII and the fall of the Spanish monarchy. This period was marked by efforts to modernize Spain, including social and political reforms, land redistribution, and secular policies. However, the Republic faced strong opposition from conservative, Catholic, and monarchist factions, as well as divisions among left-wing groups. The Republic’s failure to unify these groups and address Spain's social and economic problems contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War. The Republic was eventually defeated by Franco’s Nationalist forces, leading to Franco’s dictatorship.

Pronunciamientos

Military coups or declarations of revolt traditionally used in Spanish history, where officers or political leaders announced their opposition to the government, rallying others to their cause. The 1936 uprising that sparked the Spanish Civil War was essentially a pronunciamiento led by Franco and other generals.

17 July 1936

The date when the Spanish Civil War officially began with the Nationalist military rebellion against the Republican government. This uprising began in Spanish Morocco, where General Francisco Franco and other Nationalist leaders initiated the conflict, which quickly spread to mainland Spain.

Bolshevik Revolution (1917)

The Russian Revolution led by the Bolsheviks under Lenin, which established the first Communist government. Although unrelated to the Spanish Civil War, the Bolshevik Revolution influenced Spanish leftist movements, inspiring socialists, anarchists, and communists who sought to replicate revolutionary ideals in Spain.

June 1931 Election

• Spain’s first election after the establishment of the Second Republic, leading to a progressive government that enacted significant reforms in labor, land, and secular education.

November 1933 Election

• Marked by a shift to the right, this election saw a conservative coalition (including the CEDA party) win a majority. The resulting government halted or reversed many of the reforms introduced in 1931, deepening social divisions.

February 1936 Election

The Popular Front, a left-wing coalition, won the election, leading to increased tensions as conservatives feared a revolutionary agenda. The polarized political climate following this election contributed to the military uprising in July.

Great Depression

The global economic downturn of the 1930s, which worsened Spain’s already struggling economy. High unemployment and poverty intensified social discontent and further polarized Spanish society, contributing to the instability that led to the Civil War.

Casas Viejas in Cadiz (1933)

A violent confrontation in the village of Casas Viejas, where anarchist peasants attempted a rebellion against the government, resulting in a brutal crackdown by police. The incident became a symbol of the Republic’s failure to address workers' grievances and alienated many from the government.

Uprising at Asturias (1934)

A miners' rebellion in Asturias, inspired by socialist and anarchist ideals, protested the conservative government. The revolt was violently suppressed by troops under Franco’s command, leading to thousands of deaths and fueling resentment against the government and military.

Gil-Robles Plot

Refers to rumors and accusations that José María Gil-Robles, leader of the right-wing CEDA, was involved in anti-Republican conspiracies, including preparations for a military coup. Although not directly linked to the July 1936 coup, his anti-democratic rhetoric raised suspicions and tensions within Spain.

Assassination of José Calvo Sotelo (13 July 1936)

A conservative monarchist and prominent right-wing politician, Calvo Sotelo was assassinated by Republican security forces. His death further escalated tensions, providing Nationalists with a justification to begin the July uprising.

Morocco on 17 July 1936

The Spanish Civil War began here when Franco and other military leaders launched their uprising. Spanish Morocco became a staging ground for the Nationalist forces, with the help of German and Italian planes airlifting troops to mainland Spain.

Mérida & Badajoz

Key locations in Extremadura, which saw significant battles early in the war. Franco’s troops captured Badajoz after intense fighting and massacred thousands of Republicans, solidifying Nationalist control over the region.

Massacre of Badajoz (August 1936)

Following the capture of Badajoz, Franco’s forces carried out mass executions of Republican soldiers and civilians. The massacre became one of the most infamous acts of brutality in the war and was widely condemned internationally.

Fortress of Alcázar (Toledo)

A historic fortress held by Nationalist forces under siege by Republicans for weeks in 1936. When Franco’s forces finally arrived to relieve the siege, the event was used as powerful propaganda, symbolizing Nationalist resilience.

The Many Battles for Madrid

Madrid, the Republican capital, was fiercely contested throughout the war. The Nationalists launched several major offensives, but the city held out due to strong Republican defenses, support from international brigades, and anti-fascist morale.

Casa de Campo

A large park west of Madrid that became a key battleground during the Siege of Madrid. The park’s open terrain saw fierce fighting as Nationalists tried to break through Republican defenses around the city.

Málaga Campaign (1937)

A Nationalist campaign to capture Málaga, which they successfully took in early 1937 with support from Italian forces. The victory consolidated Nationalist control over southern Spain, and many civilians were killed or displaced following the city’s capture.

Guadalajara Campaign (1937)

A Republican victory over Italian forces supporting the Nationalists near Guadalajara. This battle was a major embarrassment for Mussolini and showcased the effective resistance of the Republicans and international brigades.

Vizcaya Campaign (1937)

A Nationalist offensive in the Basque region that culminated in the capture of Bilbao. The campaign saw significant atrocities, including the bombing of Guernica, and marked a critical loss for the Republican forces in the north

Bilbao

The capital of the Basque Country and an important Republican stronghold, Bilbao fell to Nationalist forces in June 1937 after a prolonged siege. Its capture solidified Nationalist control over northern Spain.

Gijón

The last major Republican-held city in the north, Gijón fell to the Nationalists in 1937. Its fall marked the end of significant Republican resistance in the northern region of Spain.

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia and a major Republican center, Barcelona fell to Franco’s forces in January 1939. Its capture was a significant blow to the Republic and marked the beginning of the end for Republican Spain.

Brunete (1937)

A Republican offensive west of Madrid aiming to relieve pressure on the capital. Although initially successful, the Republicans ultimately failed to hold the territory against a strong Nationalist counterattack.

Teruel (1937-1938)

One of the bloodiest battles of the war, fought in winter. The Republicans initially captured Teruel, but it was eventually retaken by the Nationalists after weeks of brutal fighting, marking a turning point in the war in favor of Franco’s forces.

Ebro Offensive (1938)

The last major Republican offensive of the war, aiming to slow the Nationalist advance. It was a costly battle for both sides and ended in defeat for the Republicans, hastening their final collapse.

Surrender at Madrid (March 27, 1939)

Madrid finally fell to Franco’s forces after years of siege and resistance. The city’s surrender marked the end of the Spanish Civil War, with Franco declaring victory shortly afterward and establishing his dictatorship.

Left-Wing Republican Government

The governing coalition after the 1936 election, composed of various leftist factions including socialists, communists, and anarchists. Known as the Popular Front, this government aimed to continue social and economic reforms but faced significant opposition from conservative and military factions, which ultimately led to the Nationalist uprising.

Nationalist

The faction that rose against the Republican government, led by General Francisco Franco. The Nationalists included conservative monarchists, fascists, Catholic groups, and other right-wing supporters, who opposed the secular and progressive reforms of the Republic. They ultimately won the war and established Franco’s dictatorship.