Spanish Civil War Flashcards
How can you describe the ideology and policies of the Republicans?
- Anti-clerical, leftist leaning, socialist
How can you describe the ideology and policies of the Nationalists?
- Pro-monarchy, anti-communist
What were some of the characteristics of liberalism? [3]
- Emphasis on the freedom of the individual
- Minimal state interference in the economy
- Diplomacy rather than force
What were some of the characteristics of Nationalism? [3]
- Patriotism in a country
- State has rights over the individual
- Sometimes dislike of other countries/foreigners
What were some of the characteristics of Anarchism? [3]
- Political power gives economic control, which explains the subjugation of the working classes
- Promotes a society without authority or rules
- Radical anarchists call for violent revolution
What were some of the characteristics of Socialism? [3]
- More equal socio-economic system
- Gov’ takes control of key industries and taxes the rich to provide better living standard for all
- Government provides more support for the poor
How were economic problems a long term cause for the Spanish Civil War? [2]
- Widespread poverty and stark divisions between rich and poor led to frequent rioting and disturbances
- Low standards of living: unregulated working conditions, poor housing, limited welfare provision led to the outgrowth of radical political groups like anarchists and the growth of trade unionism.
How were political issues a long term cause for the Spanish Civil War? [2]
- The army retained a powerful position, had historically intervened in politics: unpopular, reputation for brutality, and paid for by heavy taxation.
- From 1871 Spain was a constitutional monarchy: High level of corruption, power controlled by wealthy oligarchs.
How were socio-political tension and divisions a long term cause for the Spanish Civil War? [3]
- There was a large number of political groups and factions.
- Regionalism: central state refused demands for autonomy from Catalan and Basque regions.
- The church used wealth and position to gain considerable influence in politics and society. Resented in many urban areas: dominated by aristocracy and wealthy elites.
What were the main long term causes for the Spanish Civil War?
Spain was affected by a combination of economic problems, political issues and divisions in society, which led to polarization and conflicting ideologies.
When was, and what were some of the successes of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera?
- 1923-30
- Oversaw a sustained period of economic growth due to large scale investment in infrastructure projects
- Facilitated a period of political stability
When was, and what were some of the failures of the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera? [5]
- 1923-30
- Economic failures: effects of economic depression, forced to accept significant devaluation of the Peseta.
- Angered major groups:
- Opposed regional autonomy and reduced Catalan’s independence
- Censorship and promotion of the church in higher education alienated liberals and intellectuals
- Nationalists disappointed by his foreign policy, failure to extend Spain’s North African territories
How did reforms introduced by the Left Republic under Azana from 1931-33 contribute to growing unrest? [4]
- Unable to resolve economic issues and 1932 Agrarian Reform allowing redistribution of land from the Latifundias and the church threatened the right wing.
- Catalan autonomy (granted 1932) opposed by conservatives and right wing elements of the army.
- Military reform: from 1931 officers offered early retirement on full pay to reduce the size of the army. The gov’ inflamed opposition within the army by threatening compulsory retirement if there was a lack of volunteers.
- Slow pace of reform led to leftist uprisings.
What was the immediate cause for the Spanish Civil War in 1936?
- The failure of the military coup led by Generals Mola, Sanjurjo and Franco. The Left Republic able to launch a counter-assault that escalated into Civil War
- Failure due to to the Republic’s bedrock of support among industrial proletariat and agricultural peasantry.
- Result of various reforms, why Azana able to easily defeat the military revolt by Sanjurjo in 1932.
How did reforms of the Left Republic from 1931-33 provide it with a bedrock of support?
- 1932 Agrarian Reform allowed the state to confiscate and redistribute land from the Latifundias and the church to landless laborers
- Heavy investment into education. Built more than 7000 new schools.
- Religious freedom enshrined in the constitution: civil marriages were introduced and divorce legalized.