La guerra civil española

1. La guerra civil española Republicanos – Legally elected government. Supported land reform/women’s rights and many other progressive measures to change society. Included many intellectuals as well as support from anarchists and communists. Ejército – Largely right wing. Angered by Republican reforms and humiliating military defeats in Cuba and U.S – wanted to make Spain great again and build an empire. Rebel generals began Civil War in attempt to overthrow Republicans. Latifundistas/Terratenientes – Rich landowners and businessmen. Stood to lose a lot of power and money if Republicans won and changed the medieval land system. Many of their sons fought for fascists. Campesinos – Oppressed and exploited by land system. Wanted social equality and agricultural reform. Many formed part of Republican army and fought against Franco. Mujeres – Under Franco would have continued in traditional role as homemakers without vote or any social equality. Mujeres – Under Republicans would have been allowed vote and expected much more equality. Falange– Spanish fascist party – wanted unified Spain with strict adherence to Catholicism. Anti-regionalist and anti-communist. Fell under Franco’s control. Regionalistas – Catalan, Basque and Galicians. Disliked by Franco as not loyal to Castille and Madrid. They wanted more freedom to govern their areas and promote local culture, language and traditions. Iglesia– Spanish fascist party – wanted unified Spain with strict adherence to Catholicism. Anti-regionalist and anti-communist. Fell under Franco’s control. Brigadasinternacionales– Multinational organisation against fascism. Fought alongside Republican army against Franco. Mussolini y Italia– Assisted Franco with arms and troops as wanted fascist allies in Europe for possible war with Britain and France. Gobiernosfranceses y británicos– Refused to intervene as still recovering from world war but their actions had negative impact on Republican cause. Hitler y Alemania– Used Spain as a training experiment for his army and weapons in support of Franco. Provided aeroplanes which bombed Basque town of Guernica.