Contemporary Spanish history

Extract

[...] - POUM: Anti-Stalinist communists. - PCE, PSOE, UGT, IR, ERC, PSUC: Various socialist and republican groups. Right-Wing: - Falange Española y de las JONS, Comuníon Tradicionalista. The Constitution of 1931 established Spain as a democratic Republic, marking the beginning of the Second Republic. Key points include: Article Spain is a democratic republic of workers, with power deriving from the people. The flag is red, yellow, and purple. Article No official religion in the state. Article Municipalities have autonomy. Article 36: Citizens of both sexes, over 23, have equal voting rights. [...]

[...] October 1936: Franco became "Caudillo" after the symbolic liberation of the Alcázar of Toledo, giving him supreme authority over both civilian and military matters. It allowed him to shape the authoritarian regime that would rule Spain for decades. April 1937: Creation of the single party, Falange Española Traditionalist y de las JONS, consolidating right-wing factions under Franco's leadership ? eliminated internal divisions. Franco imprisoned or exiled every opponent to this single party. Franco kept the death of the Falange's founder, who had been executed in November 1936, a secret until 1939 to martyrize Primo de Rivera. [...]

[...] Nationalist Repression (White Terror) Brutal repression against Republican supporters by Francoist forces. Aimed to eliminate any resistance to Nationalist rule and establish Franco's control over Spain. Acts of terror, mass executions and imprisonments. August 1936: capture of Extremadura and Andalusia by Nationalists. Badajoz: August 14- ? Massacre of approximately 4,000 civilians in 2 days, under the command of Colonel Juan Yagüe. It was part of Mola's directive for "exemplary violence". Seville province: Constantina, Tocina and Cordoba ? examples of extreme violence to install fear and eliminate opposition during summer 1936. [...]

[...] Propaganda: Fascist vs. Republican Fascist Propaganda: "Spain Resurrected" Promoted victory with symbols like the Falangist yoke and arrows, red cross on a white background flag, emphasizing Nationalist unity. Republican Propaganda: Notably depicted in posters like Aixafem el feixisme by Pere Catala I Pic representing the fight of the working class against fascism. Madrid's Resistance and the Battle of Jarama (7-23 February 1937) Key Battle: Republicans fiercely defended against Franco's Nationalist forces. La Pasionaria's Rallying Cry: Dolores Ibárruri, known as La Pasionaria, a Communist leader of the Partido Communista de Espana, declared, "They will not pass " symbolizing the Republican resolve. [...]

[...] Consequence: Republicans seized weapons from the anarchists, weakening their influence. Juan Negrín's Government (May 1937-1939) - Prime Minister Leadership: Negrín emphasized an extreme resistance and aimed for continued fighting to await international support. Symbolic Visit: Negrín and President Manuel Azaña's visit to the Guadalajara front in 1937 underscored commitment amid dwindling resources. Negrín's approach aimed to sustain the Republic until potential foreign intervention or a broader European conflict could shift the balance. The Battle of Teruel (December 1937 - February 1938) Winter Clash: One of the most brutal battles marked by cold weather and high casualties, initially won by Republicans but recaptured by Nationalists. [...]