11
CHRONOLOGY OF THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR
Chronology of the Spanish Civil War
1931
14 April:
Municipal elections result in an overwhelming victory for the Re-
publicans and Socialists. The Second Spanish Republic is proclaimed (the
first Republic existed from 1873 to 1874). King Alfonso XIII leaves the coun-
try. A coalition of Left Republicans and the Socialist Workers’ Party forms a
government under Prime Minister Manuel Azaña.
1932
August:
A first military rising against the government under the leadership
of general José Sanjuro is unsuccessful.
1933
September:
After the electoral victory of the Conservative Parties, a center-
right coalition forms a new government under prime minister Alejandro Ler-
roux. General Francisco Franco takes over as Minister of War.
1934
October:
Culmination of ongoing protests against the politics of the Lerroux
government; a general strike and unrest throughout the country. An upris-
ing of the miners in Asturias is violently crushed: approx. 1,000 rebels are
brutally killed.
1936
16 January:
For the forthcoming parliamentary elections, a mutual Popular
Front election manifesto is signed by representatives of the Spanish Social-
ist Workers’ Party (PSOE), the Spanish Communist Party (PCE), the Left Re-
publicans, the Republican Union, the Syndicalist Party and the
anarchosyndicalist General Union of Workers (UGT).
16 February:
Elections for the Cortes (the Spanish parliament), result in a
clear majority of 269 seats for the Popular Front against 205 for the center
and right-wing parties.
20 February:
The Republican Left forms a civilian-democratic government,
again under prime minister Manuel Azaña (as in 1931).
13 May:
Azaña is elected President of the Republic. Casares Quiroga be-
comes the subsequent Prime Minister.
17 July:
Initiation of the military coup against the civilian-democratic re-
public, carried out by the clerical-feudal and 'bourgeois' Spanish Reaction,
decisively supported by the German and Italian fascism. By order of General
Francisco Franco, portions of the armed forces stage a coup in Spanish Mo-
rocco, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.
18 July:
Attempted coups continue throughout Spain by armed forces, fas-
cist and monarchist groups. Their plan of action intends to overtake the
whole country within 12 days.
18 - 20 July:
The parties of the Popular Front call to the defence of the Re-
public. General strike throughout the country; the masses demand weapons.
19 July:
Formation of a new Left Republican government under prime min-
ister José Giral. On the radio, Dolores Ibárruri, admired by the people as 'Pa-
sionaria', announces the slogan:
"No pasarán!"
(They shall not pass!).
20 July:
The Giral government agrees to the formation of armed popular
militias and also calls for the defence of the Republic.
21 - 25 July:
Popular militias succeed in fighting back the rightist coup in
more than two thirds of the country (including the politically and econom-
ically decisive regions of Catalonia and central Spain, all industrial areas and
almost all major cities). Beginning on 18 July, the 'Fifth Regiment' of the pop-
ular militias is formed in Madrid, leading approx. 70,000 military trained vol-
unteers into battle by November, representing the core of the Spanish
People’s Army.
24 July:
First instalment of a fascist state authority in Burgos. Here a 'junta
of national defence' is formed under General Cabanellas.
25 July:
In Berlin, Hitler welcomes a delegation sent by General Franco, in the
presence of Blomberg (Reich War Minister) and Göring (Commander-In-
Chief of the Luftwaffe). The Spanish delegation is promised generous military
support. Immediately afterwards a 'special staff W' is established, entrusted
with coordinating all measures concerned. The Luftwaffe forms the 'Condor
Legion' specifically for this purpose.
1 August:
In agreement with the British Tory government, French Prime Min-
ister Léon Blum makes a proposal to European governments for non-inter-
vention in Spain, as well as the interruption of all arms supplies. Germany
and Italy reject Blum’s proposal.
4 - 5 August:
Using 88 German transport airplanes of the 'Condor Legion',
Franco moves 15,000 soldiers from Spanish Morocco to South Spain. From
there, the insurgents begin with first offensives against the popular militias.
The general thrust is directed towards Madrid.
10 August:
From Moscow, The Communist International calls for 'complete
solidarity with the Spanish Republic'.
5 September:
Francisco Largo Caballero becomes new prime minister, and
for the first time all parties of the Popular Front are represented in his gov-
ernment.
9 September:
In London the first consultation of a Non-Intervention Com-
mittee, formed by 35 states, takes place.
End of September:
The Executive Committee of the Communist Interna-
tional decides on a program of action to assist Spain and calls for the for-
mation of International Brigades.
1 October:
After disputes in the junta of generals, Francisco Franco is ap-
pointed head of the insurgent 'Junta of National Defence'. Franco declares
himself head of the Spanish government.
