The Spanish Civil War Began When:A. Catholics Attacked The Spanish Government B. Hitler Attacked Spain C. Spanish Troops Revolted Against The Fragile New Republican Government D. Italy Attacked Spain E. Francisco Franco Defected To The United States

The Spanish Civil War was a pivotal event in modern history, marked by intense conflict, ideological divisions, and a struggle for power. The war began on July 17, 1936, and lasted for three years, until the defeat of the Republican government in 1939. But what triggered this devastating conflict? Was it a Catholic attack on the government, a foreign invasion, or something more complex?

The Fragile New Republican Government

The correct answer is C. Spanish troops revolted against the fragile new republican government. The Spanish Civil War began when a group of Spanish military officers, led by General José Sanjurjo, launched a coup against the democratically elected government of the Second Spanish Republic. This fragile new government, established in 1931, was a result of the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

The Republican government was a coalition of liberal, socialist, and anarchist parties, which had won the elections in 1931. However, the government was plagued by internal divisions, corruption, and inefficiency. The military, which had traditionally been a powerful force in Spanish politics, felt threatened by the new government's policies and saw an opportunity to restore order and stability.

The Role of Fascism and Nationalism

The Spanish Civil War was also a conflict between fascist and nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco, and the Republican government. Franco, a conservative and nationalist military officer, had been a key figure in the Spanish military for many years. He saw the Republican government as a threat to traditional Spanish values and institutions, and he believed that a fascist and nationalist regime was necessary to restore order and stability.

Franco's forces, known as the Nationalists, were supported by fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, which saw the Spanish Civil War as an opportunity to expand their influence in Europe. The Nationalists were also supported by the Catholic Church, which saw the Republican government as a threat to its power and influence.

The Republican Government's Response

The Republican government, led by President Manuel Azaña, responded to the coup by declaring a state of emergency and mobilizing the military to defend the government. However, the government's response was slow and ineffective, and the Nationalists were able to gain the upper hand.

The Republican government was also plagued by internal divisions, with different factions and parties vying for power and influence. The government's inability to respond effectively to the coup and the subsequent conflict led to a series of defeats and setbacks, which ultimately resulted in the defeat of the Republican government in 1939.

The Consequences of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War had devastating consequences for Spain and the world. The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 people, including civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war. The war also led to the destruction of much of Spain's infrastructure, including cities, towns, and villages.

The war also had a profound impact on the world, as it marked the beginning of World War II. The fascist and nationalist forces that supported Franco's regime in Spain were also responsible for the outbreak of World War II, as they sought to expand their influence and power in Europe.

Conclusion

The Spanish Civil War was a complex and turbulent conflict that was triggered by a combination of factors, including the fragile new Republican government, fascist and nationalist forces, and foreign intervention. The war had devastating consequences for Spain and the world, and it marked the beginning of World War II.

Key Dates

• 1931: The Second Spanish Republic is established, following the overthrow of the monarchy.
• 1936: A group of Spanish military officers, led by General José Sanjurjo, launch a coup against the Republican government.
• 1936: General Francisco Franco becomes the leader of the Nationalist forces.
• 1939: The Nationalist forces, led by Franco, defeat the Republican government, marking the end of the Spanish Civil War.

Key Figures

• General Francisco Franco: A conservative and nationalist military officer who led the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War.
• President Manuel Azaña: The President of the Second Spanish Republic, who led the government during the Spanish Civil War.
• General José Sanjurjo: A Spanish military officer who led the coup against the Republican government in 1936.
• Benito Mussolini: The fascist dictator of Italy, who supported Franco's regime during the Spanish Civil War.
• Adolf Hitler: The Nazi dictator of Germany, who supported Franco's regime during the Spanish Civil War.

Sources

• "The Spanish Civil War" by Hugh Thomas
• "The Oxford Handbook of the Spanish Civil War" edited by Paul Preston
• "The Spanish Civil War: A Very Short Introduction" by Helen Graham
• "The Spanish Civil War: A History" by Stanley G. Payne
  The Spanish Civil War: A Q&A Article =====================================

The Spanish Civil War was a complex and tumultuous conflict that lasted from 1936 to 1939. It was a struggle between the democratically elected government of the Second Spanish Republic and the fascist and nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Spanish Civil War.

Q: What was the main cause of the Spanish Civil War?

A: The main cause of the Spanish Civil War was the fragile new Republican government, which was established in 1931. The government was plagued by internal divisions, corruption, and inefficiency, which led to a coup by a group of Spanish military officers, led by General José Sanjurjo, in 1936.

Q: Who was General Francisco Franco?

A: General Francisco Franco was a conservative and nationalist military officer who led the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. He was a key figure in the Spanish military for many years and saw the Republican government as a threat to traditional Spanish values and institutions.

Q: What was the role of fascist Italy and Nazi Germany in the Spanish Civil War?

A: Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War, as they supported Franco's regime with troops, supplies, and financial aid. They saw the Spanish Civil War as an opportunity to expand their influence in Europe and to test their military strategies.

Q: What was the impact of the Spanish Civil War on the world?

A: The Spanish Civil War had a profound impact on the world, as it marked the beginning of World War II. The fascist and nationalist forces that supported Franco's regime in Spain were also responsible for the outbreak of World War II, as they sought to expand their influence and power in Europe.

Q: How many people died in the Spanish Civil War?

A: It is estimated that between 500,000 to 1 million people died in the Spanish Civil War, including civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war. The war also led to the destruction of much of Spain's infrastructure, including cities, towns, and villages.

Q: What was the outcome of the Spanish Civil War?

A: The Nationalist forces, led by Franco, defeated the Republican government in 1939, marking the end of the Spanish Civil War. Franco's regime ruled Spain for the next 36 years, until his death in 1975.

Q: What was the significance of the Spanish Civil War?

A: The Spanish Civil War was a significant event in modern history, as it marked the beginning of World War II and the rise of fascist and nationalist regimes in Europe. It also highlighted the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights, and served as a warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and authoritarianism.

Q: What can we learn from the Spanish Civil War?

A: We can learn several lessons from the Spanish Civil War, including the importance of democracy, freedom, and human rights, and the dangers of totalitarianism and authoritarianism. We can also learn about the importance of international cooperation and the need for collective action to prevent conflicts and promote peace and stability.

Q: How can we remember the Spanish Civil War?

A: We can remember the Spanish Civil War by learning about its history, reading about its causes and consequences, and visiting the museums and memorials that commemorate the war. We can also support organizations that work to promote peace, democracy, and human rights, and advocate for policies that prevent conflicts and promote stability.

Q: What are some recommended resources for learning about the Spanish Civil War?

A: Some recommended resources for learning about the Spanish Civil War include:

• "The Spanish Civil War" by Hugh Thomas
• "The Oxford Handbook of the Spanish Civil War" edited by Paul Preston
• "The Spanish Civil War: A Very Short Introduction" by Helen Graham
• "The Spanish Civil War: A History" by Stanley G. Payne
• "The Spanish Civil War: A Documentary History" edited by Paul Preston and Ann L. Mackenzie

Q: How can we get involved in promoting peace and democracy in Spain?

A: There are several ways to get involved in promoting peace and democracy in Spain, including:

• Supporting organizations that work to promote peace, democracy, and human rights
• Advocating for policies that prevent conflicts and promote stability
• Visiting Spain and learning about its history and culture
• Participating in cultural events and festivals that celebrate Spanish culture
• Volunteering with organizations that work to promote peace and democracy in Spain

Conclusion

The Spanish Civil War was a complex and tumultuous conflict that lasted from 1936 to 1939. It was a struggle between the democratically elected government of the Second Spanish Republic and the fascist and nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. In this article, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the Spanish Civil War and provided information on how to learn more about this important event in modern history.