Spanish Civil War Flashcards
(35 cards)
What were the long term causes of the Spanish Civil War?
Weakness of the government, role of the Spanish Army, role of church, economic causes, role of regions, political opposition, fall of monarchy
How did the Spanish government function from 1871?
Spain was a constitutional monarchy with a King who appointed a Prime Minister to command the Cortes (parliament). Cortes elected by male populace but power controlled by wealthy oligarchs. Conservatives and Liberals constantly switching power, but no real differences between them.
What was the role of the Spanish Army?
Believed to be ‘protector of the nation,’ intervened during crises. Unpopular due to brutality, heavy taxes and ineffectiveness. In need of reform: too many officers + radical ‘Africanistas’
What was the role of the Church?
Rich and powerful, in charge of education, and used wealth for social/ political influence. Close to aristocracy (represented senior clergy and helped fund) and opposed to modernising. Church inclined to rich, therefore resented by urban poor (still liked by rural poor, though)
What were the economic causes of the Spanish Civil War in rural areas?
Poor agricultural economy: abject poverty. In north, small, poor peasants. In centre/south large Latifundia estates. Anarchist movement repressed by Civil Guard. Rich created Catholic Agrarian Federation to support farmers for rejection of socialist ideas.
What we the economic causes of the Spanish Civil War in urban areas?
Lack of modernisation and poverty led to growth of trade unions. Ineffective due to inter competition and employers ability to find alternative labour. Political parties powerless. Violence became only solution.
Neutrality in WWI = economic boom. Increase in exports = inflation, shortages, lower living standards, militancy. 1920’s - violent economic conflict.
What was the role of the regions?
Catalonia and Basque wanted decentralisation and had own economies and churches. Rivera reversed self-governing role of Catalonia
What was the role of political opposition?
There was the PSOE (Spanish socialists), UGT (trade union), a small communist party. Moderates led by Prieto, radicals led by Caballero. Anarchists led by CNT fought for land redistribution. popular among peasants. FAI was the extreme anarchist group.
What was the role of the fall of the monarchy?
Alfonso XIII faced a 1923 coup from Rivera after 10 unsuccessful governments in five years, a depression, military defeat in Morocco and a lack of modernisation
What was the role of De Rivera’s regime?
Authoritarian, based off of Italian fascism. Industrial production tripled from pre 1923 levels as expensive infrastructure programs for railways, electricity and irrigation were created. Result: massive debt that exploded after Wall Street Crash, alienation from all of society. resigned in 1930
Who was General Francisco Franco?
He began his career in the navy but as the Spanish empire waned funding was cut and Franco ended up joining the army. Became a general after fighting in Morocco. Before the civil war, Franco was on the mainland actively suppressing anarchists movements.
What was the Civil Guard?
Founded in 1844 to control peasantry, maintain status quo and stamp out anti-revolutionary sentiment. Very active in Basque province. Loathed by peasantry. Later, it played a role in supporting conservatives landowners resist the reforms of the Second Republic.
What were the UGT and CNT?
UGT was a socialist-led trade union. CNT was the anarchist-led trade union.
What was the role of the Second Republic?
After the failure of dictatorship, a velvet revolution occurred based off of the left. The church and the army were powerless and the King went into exile. From 1931-36 political polarisation became unbearable and this is what led to the Civil war.
What happened between 1918 and 1923?
The economy falters and 12 different governments fail to address the crisis. King Alfonso XIII becomes increasingly unpopular when the army is massacred in Morocco.
What happened from 1923-30?
General Primo de Rivera takes control in a bloodless coup and rules for seven years, fatally undermining the legitimacy of the Monarchy
What happened in April 1931?
The King abdicates and the Second Republic is established in the ‘velvet revolution’
Describe the chronology of the Second Republic
April 1931 - Second Republic established with moderate left Azaña
November 1933 - ‘Black years’ Right republic takes control led by CEDA and Gil Robles
October 1934 - Asturia rising
February 1936 - Popular Front elected
July 1936 - Army rising and civil war
What were Azaña’s five areas of reform?
Church Army Economy Political Opposition Region
How did Azaña address the Church?
He was anticlerical, separated church and state, removed control of education, payment of clergy stopped over two-year period
How did Azaña address the Army?
He offered early retirement to generals. Reduced the army by 50%. Backfired due to radicalisation of army and expense.
How did Azaña address the economy?
Iron production had fallen by a third and steel by a half. Caballero created compensation based land redistribution system. Limited effectiveness due to lack of government funding. Only 7000 families profited. REALLY upset the right
How did Azaña address political opposition?
He introduced the Assault Guard to suppress risings from right (eg General Sanjurjo in 1932) and left (eg Casas viejos in 1933). Brutal.
How did Azaña address regional issues?
Catalonia given its own parliament, some power over law and order, and dual control over education. Right wing groups unhappy.
