1. Spanish Civil War

2. Long-term Causes review
Agrarian Society with enormous class differences; Poverty.
Land-owning elites and many landless laborers
2. The Church; Spain is deeply Catholic.
Wealthy classes identified with Church; Seen as enemy of change and had monopoly on education.

3. 3. The Army – a large colonial army with nothing to do.
1 general to 100 poorly equipped soldiers. Very conservative; interferes in politics.
4. Regionalism
Both Basques and Catalans wanted to control their own affairs. Conservatives didn’t like this.

4. Short term causes Anarchism growing fast after WWI. Demand reforms!
Humiliating defeat in Morocco in 1921
Fear of Communist revolution.
All conservative groups feel threatened.
Results in: military dictatorship under Primo de Rivera 1923
Has wide support by conservatives and populace.
Brings some improvement in economy until Depression. Loses backing of army
King Alfonso XIII abdicates 1931 and the Second Republic is declared.

5. Second Republic 1931-1933 faces many problems
Republican government under Manuel Azaña brings reforms to address problems:
Land distribution
Labor legislation
Anti-clerical legislation
Army officers forced to retire on half pay
Catalan granted autonomy

6. These reforms create enemies.
1932 Military tries to revolt under General Sanjurjo, but it is crushed.
Depression takes hold and land reforms are ineffective. Conditions in countryside worsen.
Violence is on the rise.
Measures against the church alienated right – wing of Spanish society and lead to foundation of:
Catholic CEDA party led by Gil Robles
Falange, Fascist party led by Jose Antonio de Rivera

7. Government
Right-wing government comes to power and reverses reforms of Azaña’s liberal government.
Known as ”Two Black Years” by the liberals.
Radicals more aggressive
Conservatives turn to paramilitary actions. Mass arrests of leftists
In 1934 Anarchist miners’ revolt was crushed in Asturias by General Franco.

8. 1936: Swing back to the Left
A Popular Front of communists, socialists, republicans and Separatists was formed to oppose the government. A defensive strategy to prevent far-right fascists from taking over. The right-wing forms the National Front. They fear a Bolshevik revolution. Result is Anarchy takes hold! Disorder and violence spread throughout the country.

9. Army plots to overthrow gov’t
July 1936
Led by General Mola, General Goded and General Franco who commands the elite army of Morocco
The military hoped to capture Spain in a week but they failed.
About half of the army remained loyal to the government
the revolt failed in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona and the Basque country.
Workers and peasants militias were formed to defend the government.

10. Francisco Franco 1892 - 1975 Monarchist
He was promoted to Major General on in 1934 and in the same year he crushed the miners´ revolt in Asturias.
In 1935, he was made commander-in-chief of the Spanish armed forces in Morocco and the same year he became chief-of-staff of the army.