Spanish civil war History Timeline and Biographies

1931

Establishment of the Second Spanish Republic

The Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed on April 14, 1931, following the abdication of King Alfonso XIII. This event marked a significant shift towards democracy, with hopes for social reform and modernization, setting the stage for the tensions that would lead to the Spanish Civil War.

1934

Asturian Miners' Strike and the Radicalization of Politics

In October 1934, a major miners' strike in Asturias escalated into a violent uprising against the Republican government. This event highlighted the growing divisions within Spanish society and increased tensions between leftist and rightist factions, foreshadowing the conflict of the Spanish Civil War.

1936

Military Uprising and Outbreak of the Spanish Civil War

On July 17, 1936, a military coup led by General Francisco Franco and other Nationalist leaders initiated the Spanish Civil War. The coup aimed to overthrow the Republican government, leading to widespread violence and the division of Spain into Republican and Nationalist territories.

1936

International Brigades Join the Republicans

In late 1936, volunteers from various countries formed the International Brigades to support the Republican cause against Franco's Nationalists. These fighters included leftists, anarchists, and anti-fascists, highlighting the Spanish Civil War's global significance as a battleground against fascism.

1937

Battle of Guernica and the Role of the Luftwaffe

On April 26, 1937, the German Luftwaffe bombed the Basque town of Guernica, resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction. This event became a symbol of the horrors of war and was immortalized in Pablo Picasso's famous painting, representing the brutality of the Spanish Civil War.

1937

Republican Defeats and Loss of Key Territories

Throughout 1937, the Republicans faced significant military defeats, including the loss of the Basque region and the city of Bilbao to the Nationalists. These setbacks weakened the Republican position in the ongoing Spanish Civil War and demoralized their supporters.

1938

Battle of the Ebro: Turning Point of the War

The Battle of the Ebro, fought from July to November 1938, was one of the largest battles of the Spanish Civil War. Although initially successful for the Republicans, it ultimately resulted in heavy losses and a strategic setback, marking a turning point in favor of the Nationalists.

1939

Fall of Madrid and End of the Spanish Civil War

On March 28, 1939, Madrid fell to Franco's Nationalist forces, effectively signaling the end of the Spanish Civil War. The victory led to the establishment of a fascist dictatorship under Franco, which would last until his death in 1975.

1939

Exile and the Aftermath of the Spanish Civil War

Following the defeat, hundreds of thousands of Republicans fled Spain, seeking asylum in France and other countries. This mass exile had lasting effects on Spanish society and politics, as many exiles became vocal opponents of Franco's regime from abroad.

1940s

Franco's Regime and Repression of Dissent

Throughout the 1940s, Franco's regime implemented severe repression against former Republicans and dissenters. Political opponents were imprisoned, executed, or forced into exile, solidifying a culture of fear and control in post-civil war Spain.

1950s

International Isolation and Economic Hardship

In the 1950s, Spain faced international isolation due to Franco's fascist regime. Economic difficulties compounded the struggles of the Spanish people, leading to growing discontent and the emergence of underground opposition movements against the dictatorship.

1960s

Cultural Resistance and the Legacy of the Spanish Civil War

The 1960s saw a cultural resurgence among those opposing Franco's regime, with artists, writers, and intellectuals exploring themes related to the Spanish Civil War. This cultural resistance played a crucial role in preserving the memory and lessons of the Spanish Civil War for future generations.

1975

Death of Franco and Transition to Democracy

Francisco Franco died on November 20, 1975, leading to a transition to democracy in Spain. The end of his dictatorship allowed for a reevaluation of the Spanish Civil War's legacy and the establishment of democratic institutions, marking a new chapter in Spanish history.

2006

Spanish Historical Memory Law Enacted

In 2006, Spain passed the Historical Memory Law, aimed at recognizing and addressing the injustices of the Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. This law sought to promote historical memory and reparations for victims, reflecting ongoing societal efforts to confront the war's legacy.