Spanish democracy and the Civil War (1931-1939)

Author: (English) Brinkhorn
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-07-01
Features: In the 1930s, Spanish society experienced a period of intense and bloody turmoil, which led to the outbreak of a three-year civil war and ultimately ended with the victory of the nationalist faction under General Franco. Statistics show that the three-year civil war claimed the lives of approximately 500,000 people—this does not even include those who died from malnutrition, hunger, and famine. The civil war was the result of the intensification of social life and political development in Spain over decades, but the political and emotional repercussions it stirred far exceeded the scope of an internal conflict within the country. Many nations viewed it as part of an international conflict, pitting fascism against democracy or authoritarianism against freedom. Germany and Italy used Spain as a testing ground for new tanks, aircraft, and tactics, while Britain, seeking to maintain international balance, adopted a policy of non-intervention in the Spanish civil war. The former Soviet Union, meanwhile, played another role—abandoning its ally, the Spanish Republican government, at a critical moment. With refined prose and clear organization, the author narrates the causes and course of the Spanish Civil War, analyzes the reasons for the failure of Spain's democratic regime, and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the conflict. This book is part of the "Translated World History Series," and along with other books in the series, it will recreate the vicissitudes of history and showcase a vibrant, colorful world.