The Spanish Civil War was a conflict that lasted from 1936 to 1939, pitting the Republic of Spain against the Nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco. The war was not only a struggle for control of Spain but also became a battleground for ideologies, with the Spanish Republic supported by leftist and democratic forces worldwide, while the Nationalists received backing from fascist regimes.
The war's origins can be traced back to the deep political divisions in Spain following the 1936 Spanish General Election. The election resulted in a victory for the Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, which alarmed conservative, monarchist, and fascist groups. The political instability was further exacerbated by:
The conflict began on July 17, 1936, when a group of right-wing generals, including Franco, launched a coup against the elected government. Although the coup initially failed in many areas, it succeeded in establishing control over significant parts of Spain, particularly in the south and west.
The war ended on April 1, 1939, with Franco's Nationalist forces emerging victorious. The Republic surrendered, and Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. The aftermath of the war included:
The Spanish Civil War had profound effects on Spanish society, politics, and culture: