Franco and The Spanish Civil War
“If we crush Fascism here we'll save our people in America, and in other parts of the world from the vicious persecution, wholesale imprisonment, and slaughter which the Jewish people suffered and are suffering under Hitler's Fascist heels.”
–Canute Frankson. Albacete, Spain. July 6, 1937.
Section 1: Causes of the War
Section 2: Francisco Franco
Section 3: Events of The War
“If we crush Fascism here we'll save our people in America, and in other parts of the world from the vicious persecution, wholesale imprisonment, and slaughter which the Jewish people suffered and are suffering under Hitler's Fascist heels.”
–Canute Frankson. Albacete, Spain. July 6, 1937.
Section 1: Causes of the War
- What was the name of the king that gave up his throne in 1931?
- Alfonso XIII
- What was the two word name of the ruling government of Spain during the period between 1931 and 1939? Who were the two presidents during this time? Who were some of the other prominent government officials during this time?
- The name of the government was The Second Republic. The names of the two presidents was Manuel Azaña and Niceto Alcala Zimora. Some prominent government officials were Francisco Largo Caballero and Indalecio Prieto.
- Name at least three causes for reform that led to the Civil War.
- The three main causes that caused the civil war were the poverty of agriculture workers, the rich and powerful Church, and the poorly equipped Army.
- Name at least two names that each fighting force was given.
- The Nationalists and Republicans fought for power in the Spanish Civil War.
- In what ways was the role of the Catholic Church downplayed by the Spanish government in the years leading up to Civil War?
- Church and state were separated, giving the Church less power over the government because the government did not need to abide by Church rules.
Section 2: Francisco Franco
- What was the name of the Academy that Franco commanded in the 1920s and where was it located?
- He was appointed commander of the Joint Military academy at Saragossa.
- What were the two seemingly rivaling political movements that Franco was able to unite during the Civil War and beyond?
- He united the fascist and monarchist parties during the Spanish Civil war.
- Name at least two titles given to Franco during the Spanish Civil War.
- He was titled a right-wing monarchist in the midst of a left-wing Republic, and he was also titled chief of staff of the Spanish Army.
- What were some of the details of the Labor Charter established under Franco during the Spanish Civil War?
- The Labor Charter stated that everyone had to work and decreed a limit to working hours, paid vacations, and good wages. It also ensured that workers had to keep working by labeling strikes as treason.
- In what ways did Franco imitate the propaganda of Adolph Hitler?
- Franco imitated Hitler’s Propaganda because between 1937 and 1948 he was exploiting the Republicans’ with his anti-clericalism.
Section 3: Events of The War
- What was the first major battle of the war and where was it fought?
- The first major battle of the Spanish Civil War was the Battle of Badajoz and it was fought in Spain.
- Name at least one major battle of the Civil War and describe the actions and results of this battle.
- A major battle during the Civil War was The Battle of Brunete which was a aerial and artillery attack on the Nationalists which happened West of Madrid, it resulted in a fear by Franco and he ended up sending troops to the Brunete frontlines.
- What foreign country was the largest supporter of the Republicans? What did they ask for from Spain in return for sending troops?
- The Soviet Union supported the Republicans in exchange for $500M in gold reserves.
- Why is the date April 26, 1937 significant? What occurred on this date? Which side led the offensive?
- It is significant because on April 26,1937 there was an aerial attack on the Basque town of Guernica, the bombing was by the Spanish Nationalist Government and their allies.
- When was the war officially declared over? In what city? Which side prevailed?
- The war was over on April 1, 1939 in Madrid,Spain, and the Nationalists prevailed in the war.