How Left/Right Partisanship Starts a Civil War in Spain | BETWEEN 2 WARS I 1936 Part 2 of 3 - YouTube (2)
effects.
For one, the battle lines for future conflict have been drawn. On one side a revolutionary
front of workers committed to all-out war. On the other hand, forces of 'order' systematically
repressing their enemies with industrial terror.
Another effect is that, like the rightwing "accidentalists", many on the left decide
to retreat from revolutionary violence. The ideal of left unity remains but it is taking
on a parliamentary form. This is encouraged by the Soviet Union who are now advocating
popular fronts, which even include liberals and social democrats, to counter the fascist
surge. Such a Popular Front is established in January 1936 as a broad coalition in the
election the following month. They win, but by a hair-thin majority of only one-hundred-fifty-thousand
votes. Furious, many on the right now abandon their legalist strategy and take up with the
catastrophists. The CEDA gives up on parliamentary politics and many of its members give up on
the movement and flock to the Falange.
Spain is now entering its most violent phase so far. The spring sees high-profile assassinations
from both the right and left. Paramilitaries loyal to Falangism, Carlism, or Alfonsism
sow terror on the Spanish streets. The CNT are now staging strikes to an unprecedented
degree and street battles are a part of daily life. Even in the Cortes itself things are
getting out of hand with confrontational exchanges and promises of violence between rival politicians.
The military is also becoming an increasing threat. With rumours of a coup flying, the
government now move to counter any hostile threat. Many officers are demoted or transferred
to the far-reaches of Spain. Franco is sent to the Canary Islands. He will spend most
of his time there learning English and playing golf. The governments fears aren't actually
misplaced, though. The rumours are true- top officers and generals have been planning a
coup.
But has the crumbling Popular Front regime acted quickly enough to save itself?
In its short life of just five years, the Second Spanish Republic has seen violence
and ideological strife on an unprecedented scale. Uprisings, violent strikes, assassinations,
and street fights have become a daily part of life. Thus far, governments have held on
thanks to the disorganization of the opposition on one side, and the shaky loyalty of the
military on the other. But both these uncertain defences are melting away. A military coup
is in the works, delayed only by the cold feet of certain officers and generals. When
it arrives, will be a bloody, brutal battle waged on the back of the Spanish civilian
population. Political activists on both sides and world leaders will use it as a proxy for
the general struggle of the 1930s. It will inspire literature, art, and polarized public
opinion, dividing the world ever further as we spiral into global catastrophe.
If you'd like to learn even more about civil strife between fascists, socialists, and pretty
much every political color there is then check out our video on the 1930s Austria, you can
click right here.
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And when you think of Spain in the mid 30s, don't forget the old proverb- “Presto
hay un bastón, para dar al perro”. Someone who wants to be cruel will find things to
be cruel about. Salud!
