Spanish Civil War Essay Research Paper The free essay sample

Spanish Civil War Essay, Research Paper The two sides were: The Nationalists ( a loose alliance of right flying groups, including Army high bid, the Church, the landholders, royalists, a the Falange [ fascist party ] ) and the Republicans ( looser alliance of left wing groups, including socialists, trade union members, Communists, nihilists, and moderate progressives ) The Patriots sought to continue Spain # 8217 ; s unity, while Republicans wished to continue the Second Republic. The Causes of the War Profound cause: long period of diminution since the great yearss of the Spanish Empire. Spain had made small advancement, lost her imperium, and fallen behind in the industrialisation procedure Deep divisions in Spanish society: Landowners vs. Peasants. Church vs. Anti-Clerical motions: the Church had tremendous power in Spain and was opposed to societal reform, this led to groups that sought to cut down the Church # 8217 ; s influence. Conservatives V. Liberals. There was a deficiency of a political center, and extremists elements were progressively popular. We will write a custom essay sample on Spanish Civil War Essay Research Paper The or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Massive divisions btw countryside and towns. The Spanish ground forces had a tradition of interfering in political relations. Long standing tradition of force in Spanish political relations, and democracy had neer truly been established ( therefore parties tried to change by reversal election consequences through force ) # 8216 ; Democracy # 8217 ; in Spain had brought approximately corrupts Gov. and undermined the construct of democracy. ( there was electoral fraud and go oning landlord control under Spanish # 8216 ; democracy # 8217 ; ) There was a desire for liberty in several parts of Spain. Conservatives saw this as a menace to Spain. Anarchism was a powerful force in Spain. The failings of the Gov. of the Second Rep. ( 1930-36 ) , its failure to transport out reforms, and to move against those that were plotting against the Republic. It besides failed to keep jurisprudence and order. Army concern at the possibility of a communist coup detat. The blackwash of the right wing leader Calvo Sotelo in July 1936. The Main Developments The Main Characteristics of the War The struggle was highly barbarous There was widespread foreign intercession ( b/c the struggle was seen as a battle btw right and left ) , Nationalists received support from Germany and Italy, while Republicans obtained assistance from USSR and on occasion f rom France, as well as foreign volunteers and the International Brigades. It has been characterized as an ideological war. The at first loose coalitions developed to be strongly idealistic as excesses polarized opinion. However the war was never clear-cut. And only the ideological divide btw foreign supporters was clear. (USSR vs. Germany and Italy) It was seen as a ‘curtain raiser’ for WWII First major use of air power. Bombing of civilian targets Formations of armored vehicles (to predict Hitler’s Blitzkrieg) The bulk of the troops (despite foreign technology) were not well equipped. It is claimed that it was a war btw professional soldiers and armed workers (although gradually order and discipline was instituted amongst the Republicans.) This war saw the use of propaganda to overcome resistance and terrify populations It brought profound social changes in it wake. (especially in Republican held areas) The Effects of the War Tremendous loss of life (executions continued after the victory of the nationalists) Material losses were great (this was important since Spain had been backward before the war already) — i.e.: the Republicans sent all the gold reserves to the USSR for safekeeping. Franco’s regime marked the end of democracy for the next 40 years. Agriculture remained backward and the landowners in control The Church became more powerful (in return for support for Franco’s regime) Regionalism was suppressed, and the state highly centralized. Censorship was introduced No attempts at reconciliation, reconstruction. Cultural life suffered (b/c of authoritarianism of Franco) High degree of state control led to corruption. Franco’s foreign supporters wanted compensation. He had to provide Germany w/ resources. Spain became diplomatically isolated. The reasons for the Nationalist Victory Most of the army was on the nationalist side. The parts of the army that sided w/ the Republicans was regarded w/ suspicion an d not used well. Franco assumed control of the Nationalist side and unified it. The Republicans were not unified (politically militarily) Foreign aid was more substantial direct to the Nationalists, and supplies from the USSR dried up when Stalin sought to reach an understanding w/ Hitler. Britain adopted a non-interventionist policy.