Topic 2 - The nature of the war

Question 1

Brunette (west of Madrid) , July 1937

Answer 1

• The Republic’s first major offensive
• Their aims were to give relief to Madrid due to it being under siege and to cut off the major Nationalist supply route from the north
• The Republic was doing well until the condor legion arrived and overpowered the Republicans
• Communications broke down and inexperienced officers dug trenches, exposing to further Nationalist aerial attack

Question 2

Teruel (Aragon), December 1937 - January 1938

Answer 2

• Republicans decided to divert Franco’s troops away from Madrid
  with offensive launched in Teruel
• Republican forces initially succeeded but slowed down and retreated
• Nationalists surronded Republican forces and submitted the town to heavy artillery and aerial bombardment
• Republicans ran out of supplies and abandoned Teruel

Question 3

Ebro (Valencia), July - November 1938

Answer 3

• The republicans could not sustain the momentum of Ebro advance
• Nationalists air supremacy forced a Republican retreat

Question 4

Barcelona, February 1939

Answer 4

• Resistance encountered by Nationalists on their attack to Barcelona
• The population had been demoralised by food shortages and aerial bombardment
• The Nationalists occupied the city

Question 5

Madrid, February-March 1939

Answer 5

• Azana resigned and exiled on 6 February - his successor, Martinez Barrio refused to return from his exile
• 27 February 1939 - Franco recognised as the legitimate head of the Spanish government
• Republican leadership split and Negrin fled
• Madrid fell to Franco on 27 March 1939; Franco had won the war