The 1930s (Part 2)

Overview

In July 1936, a group of military officers in Melilla rise up, dissatisfied with the changes that have occurred under the Second Republic. They want a more conservative, religious and traditional Spain. The uprising does not triumph throughout the entire territory and the Republican government also fails to defeat the insurgents. Civil war breaks out. The initial movements of the rebels allow them to secure important territories, but the main cities and industrial areas remain in government hands. The Nationalist faction, with Franco as leader, receives military aid from Nazis and Italians in the form of troops, aviation and weapons. Meanwhile, the Republican army secures an alliance with Stalin's Russia and help from international brigades. The civil war represented the first global clash between fascism and anti-fascism.