Study Notes on Spanish Civil War and Francisco Franco

Overview of Lecture Series
- Second lecture in the three-part series on European fascism
- Focus on General Francisco Franco of Spain

Rise to Power
- Franco rose to power through a military coup during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).
- This coup exemplifies the rise of fascism in Europe during the tumultuous interwar period.
Political Polarization
  - Polarization of Spanish politics increased from the late 1920s into the 1930s.
    - Exacerbated by the Great Depression.
  - Presence of regional separatist groups in northern Spain (e.g. Catalonia and the Basque Country).
  - These groups sought greater autonomy or independence from the central Spanish government.

Civil War Outbreak (1936)
- Regional separatist issues, economic troubles, and political factionalism led to civil war.
- A military coup d'état was executed, resulting in Franco establishing a fascist dictatorship from 1939 until 1975.
Franco’s Allies and Opposition
- Franco was aided by the Falange, a far-right political organization.
- International Brigade opposed Franco, comprising various international volunteers (communists, socialists, freedom fighters) from over a dozen countries aiming to prevent a right-wing government.
Key Incidents
  - February 1934: Leftist parties, including socialists, coordinated major strikes.
  - Northern separatist demands in regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country led to civil unrest under Prime Minister Samper's rule, ultimately leading to violence.
  - Protests were met with hostility from the government, culminating in a declaration of independence by Catalonia.

Government Response
- Prime Minister Leroux declared martial law to quell violence but found it increasingly difficult to manage the uprisings.
- Franco organized efforts to regain control over regions captured by unions and communists, viewing them as influenced by the Soviet Union.
Major Events Leading to the Coup
  - Political chaos escalated with armed attacks by leftist groups against national symbols and police forces.
  - July 1936: Military uprisings began, with Franco taking control with support from army factions loyal to him.
  - Franco became head of a nationalist government shortly thereafter.

Conflicts and Alliances
- The International Brigade was fundamental in the defense of the Popular Front government, receiving limited and outdated support from the Soviet Union.
- Franco gained better arms and support from fascist allies, Germany and Italy, who provided modern weaponry with no conditions in exchange.
Challenges for Republicans
- Internal dissension among Republican forces led to tactical failures.
- A lack of unified military leadership contrasted with Franco’s firm command style.

End of Civil War (1939)
  - The Nationalist forces, under Franco, triumphed in the war due to:
    - Better logistical support for Franco's army compared to the Republicans.
    - Superior military strategy and commanders on Franco's side.
    - Intense struggles and infighting among Republican factions.
Post-Civil War Era
  - Franco's regime established a dictatorship, implementing strict nationalism and Catholicism as the state religion.
  - Exclusions and legal prohibitions against non-Catholic religions.
  - Suppression of labor unions and non-conformist political activities.
Suppression of Dissidents
- An estimated 26,000 political prisoners were held under Franco's regime, reflecting the political repression.
- Banning of languages like Catalan and Basque, enforcing Castilian Spanish as the only legal language in public life.

Franco's Rule from 1939 to 1975
  - Spain declared neutrality during World War II, avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.
  - Franco envisioned a self-sufficient economy but faced criticisms over human rights abuses and the repression of political freedoms.
  - The lecture series will continue by examining the rise of fascism in Germany in the next installment.