IB History Key Exam Terms - Spanish Civil War

Key Terms to know for the Spanish Civil War to review for IB HL History Exam

Alfonso XIII

King of Spain (supported the Nationalist faction and was far right authoritarian conservative) from birth until the 1931 proclamation of the Second Republic - supported the Primo de Rivera dictatorship (1923-1930) but discredited the monarchy, and he was later abdicated and led to the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic.

José Antonio Primo de Rivera

Founder of the Falange Española, which was a fascist movement promoting nationalism, authoritarians, and anti-Marxism. He was executed by the Republicans in 1936, and became a martyr symbol for the Nationalists to drive their cause

Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939)

Democratic government established after Alfonso XIII was abdicated - this introduced many societal reforms (like land, church/separation of Church and State, military, Women’s right, and regional autonomy) but became increasingly polarized and contributed to the civil war (with the Bienio Negro resulting - a 2 year period of right-wing control of Spain)

Asturias Revolt (1934)

1934: left-wing miners’ uprising against the right-wing government (where CEDA and political parties against Republicans ruled as a conservative government during Second Spanish Republic and reversed reforms), and was suppressed brutally by the army under Franco, which led to more political violence against the left and right wing parties.

Popular Front Victory (1936)

In 1936: the electoral victory of the left-wing coalition (Republicans, Socialists, and Communists, although tensions increased between them), and it triggered fear among the conservatives and military that increased plans for a coup by the conservatives.

Military Uprising (July 1936)

Coordinated coup by right-wing generals (like general Emilio Mola and Francisco Franco) against the Republic/Popular Front. They failed to get full control, and led to the Spanish Civil War.

Siege of Madrid (1936-1939)

Attempt by Nationalists to capture the Republican capital - Madrid held great resistance and became a symbol of Republican determination with citizens saying “No pasarán!”. (failed attempt by Franco/Nationalists, and the loyalists, or Spanish Republic, successfully defended Madrid)

Bombing of Guernica (1937)

Aerial bombing of a town in the Basque region by the German Condor Legion (fought alongside Nationalists under Francisco Franco - gave crucial air and ground support). This was the first major bombing of civilians from the air and showed the brutality of modern warfare.

Battle of the Ebro (1938)

The final major and largest Republican offensive attack in Terra Alta region of Catalonia - decisive Nationalist victory that exhausted Republican resources and ensured Franco’s win.

Francisco Franco

This was the leader and head of Nationalists/conservatives, and eventual dictator of Spain from 1939-1975 after winning the Spanish Civil War. He united right-wing factions and ruled Spain as an authoritarian state post-civil war.

The Nationalists

This was the right-wing and conservative coalition that included monarchists, fascists, conservatives, and parts of the Spanish army (although the army was also divided between Nationalist and Republican support). They were supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy - sought to overthrow the Republic and restore traditional order, while preventing spread of communism.

Emilio Mola

This was a key planner of the 1936 military uprising of the Nationalist party, and advocated for ruthless repression in order to gain victory for the Nationalists (“fifth column”).

José Calvo Sotelo

Was a right-wing monarchist leader who was assassinated by the leftist forces in July 1936 - his death is what made tensions intense between the rival political parties, justified the military uprising, and was the immediate cause of the war.

Manuel Azaña

The President of the Second Republic during the Civil War, and he represented liberal republicanism but struggled to keep unity and authority, especially with conflicts between socialists, communists, anarchists, etc. in Republican party)

Juan Negrín

The Republican Prime Minister from 1937-39, and favored continued resistance and relied on Soviet support for the Republicans, which fueled internal divisions in this political party.

The Republicans

A left-wing coalition that defended the Republic and included liberals, socialists, communists, and anarchists, and regional nationalists. They were strictly divided, and had tensions, in ideology and leadership.

White Terror (1936-1945)

A Nationalist campaign of repression which included the executions and imprisonment of Republicans - centrally organized among the Nationalists (systematic violence, political repression, and widespread murder)

Red Terror

Republican violence against their perceived enemies (clergy, landowners, and conservatives), that was more decentralized and even spontaneous - included violence, murder, and persecution by anarchists, communists, socialists that were part of the Republicans.

Church Burnings

These were attacks on Catholic Churches and clergy, especially by Republicans - reflected anti-clericalism and isolated moderate supporters of the Republic (Republicans believed in separation of Church and State)

Falange Española

This was a Spanish fascist party with the Nationalists that advocated for Nationalism, authoritarianism, and anti-communism - they later absorbed into Franco’s regime as the only legal party.

Carlists

These were ultra-traditionalist monarchists who supported an alternative royal line and formed a militarized and highly ideological faction under Nationalists. They were also backed by the Nationalists to defend Catholicism and regional traditions

Anarchists (CNT, FAI)

These were revolutionary left-wing groups that promoted stateless, worker-controlled society - a group especially strong in Catalonia and clashed with Communists over control and discipline. (wanted to fight fascism and abolish capitalism and state authority)

Socialists (PSOE, UGT)

These were major left-wing parties and unions that supported workers’ rights and social reform (like land redistribution and women’s rights). This was a core part of the Republican party.

Communists (PCE)

They were small before the war but gained influenced due to Soviet aid with the Republicans - they advocated centralized control and military discipline in the Republic.

Regional Nationalists (Catalonia, Basque Country)

These were groups that sought autonomy or independence, and were mostly supportde by the Republic in exchange for self-government.

Non-Intervention Committee

This was an International agreement to prevent foreign involvement, such as in the Spanish Civil War (included 27 European nations such as Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, etc) but eventually ineffective; disadvantaged the Republic and the Axis powers had helped Franco

German Condor Legion

This was the Nazi air force unit that supported the Nationalists during the war - provided many new weapons and tactics and carried out mass attacks like the bombing of Guernica.

Italian Corpo Truppe Volontarie

These were the Italian Fascist troops that were sent by Mussolini (ruled Fascist Italy during the time) to support Franco’s movement - gave many troops, weapons, and equipment).

Soviet Aid

The Soviet Union and army provided military assistance to the Republicans, especially weapons and advisors - however this came at the cost of Spanish gold reserves (paid by the Republicans) and increased Communist influence.

International Brigades

These were volunteer military units of foreigners, and fought for the democratically elected Republic against Franco’s Nationalist forces (organized by Communist International, or Comintern) who opposed fascism). These came from over 50 countries including Britain, France, the U.S., Canada, etc.

Comintern

This was the International Communist organization that coordinated communist movements around the globe - specifically organized and produced the International Brigades who supported the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War.

Syndicalism/Anarcho-syndicalism

This was a revolutionary and worker-led movement combining anarchist principles with trade unionism (argued for a society focusing on workers’ rights/self-management, direct democracy, and worker control through trade unions than the state) - sought to abolish the state and capitalism in direct action. This was dominant among the CNT (Spanish anarchists)