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In the dawn of
July 17, 1936, the garrison of Morocco rebels under the leadership
of General Francisco Franco, and this is followed by military
risings throughout mainland Spain. Within a few days, Franco's
Moorish troops and legionnaires are at the gates of Madrid. At
first, the European powers agree to adopt an attitude of non-intervention.
However, the Spanish Civil War soon ceases to be a strictly Spanish
affair when large contingents of men, arms and equipment pour
into Spain from all sides. The rebels, autoproclaimed "Nationalists"
receive considerable military aid from Nazi Germany and Fascist
Italy, without which they would have never won the war. The legitimate
government of Spain, left alone by the european democracies,
turns its sight into the USSR, from which it obtains materials
and equipment. Manpower comes in the form of International Brigades
(some 35,000 men), who volunteer from all around the world to
come to Spain to fight against Fascism. After the initial successes
of the Nationalists, the territories held by both sides are roughly
equal in extent. The continuous attempts of Franco to storm Madrid
and cut its railroad communications with Valencia and the Mediterranean
sea repeatedly fail. But it is only a matter of time. After three
years of heroic resistance, with shortenings of everything, Madrid
falls. With the fall of Madrid, the Republican forces capitulate.
On April 1, 1939, the war is over and Franco installs himself
as "Caudillo" and "savior" of Spain. |
