How the Spanish Civil War Became Europe's Battlefield

Series: How the Spanish Civil War Became Europe's Battlefield

(6)

Episodes

Rating

Year

2023

Language

English

Publisher

The Great Courses

About

Enhance your understanding of the volatile period between the World Wars with this eye-opening survey of total war in Spain from 1936-1939.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. The Spanish Civil War in a European Context

28m

Begin with an examination of the unique nature of the Spanish Civil War, within a context of European civil and world wars. Often overshadowed by World War II, Spain experienced a bloody and total war from 1936 to 1939-a prelude to the global violence on the horizon.

2. Two Spains? Long-Term Origins of War

29m

The long-term structural divisions that led to the Spanish Civil War give the appearance of two countries existing side by side. Here, explore the divides in Spanish geography, agriculture, economics, society, and religion. Consider how these divisions are more complex than a simple narrative of "Two Spains."

3. The Second Republic: Short-Term Origins of War

33m

Delve into the growing political polarization that occurred in Spain's Second Republic era from 1931 to 1936. As power swung back and forth between the left and the right, neither side could gain clear majority support. This polarization, combined with the messy process of reform, transformed Spain into a powder keg.

4. The Opening Act: 1936's Military Coup

28m

By 1936, tensions between the conservative Monarchists and the liberal Republican government came to a head. General Francisco Franco and other military leaders attempted to overthrow the government. Although the coup attempt partially failed, it succeeded in enough places to launch a full-on civil war.

5. A Hot Summer: The War's First Months

31m

After the failed military coup, the summer of 1936 became the most violent and lawless period of the Spanish Civil War, with Nationalists and Republican coalitions committing atrocities against alleged enemies and civilians alike. From a national terror campaign to the desecration of churches and religious leaders, this time period saw great bloodshed.

6. The Two Sides: Nationalists and Republicans

29m

Who were the combatants on each side of the civil war? In this lecture, you will survey the diversity of two coalitions: the Nationalists, Catholics, and fascists on one side and Popular Front republicans, socialists, anarchists, and even communists on the other side. Reflect on what political platforms held each coalition together.

7. Republican Revolution and Local Power

31m

Continue your study of the Republican side with a deep dive into the revolutionary workers' groups and their goals. While the Nationalists were using guerilla tactics in an attempt to overthrow the government, decentralized Republican forces used local power to try to create a socialist workers utopia-to mixed results. Learn about the lofty goals and the destructive results from these efforts.

8. Rebuilding a Fractured Republican State

30m

By the fall of 1936, the war entered a new phase as the Republican government attempted to centralize authority and create a more disciplined war effort, in a direct challenge to the local revolutionary groups. Review some of the key challenges on the left, including ideological divisions and regional power centers that were reluctant to cede their autonomy.

9. Francisco Franco Forms a Nationalist State

32m

Shift your attention to the Nationalist side, which had consolidated authority under General Francisco Franco, "el caudillo" ("the leader"). Professor Radcliff introduces you to Franco and his military history, and then she walks through his gradual and unlikely ascent to power during the war. Finally, you will consider how Franco's leadership compared with that of fascist leaders.

10. Women in the War: Workers, Nurses, Soldiers

29m

Wars may be fought over political ideology, but they involve everyday people. In this lecture, you will examine the critical role of women in the Spanish Civil War. On both sides of the conflict, women took up jobs in traditionally male industries and occupied novel public and private roles. Meet some of the women who made an impact in this war.

Extended Details

SeriesHow the Spanish Civil War Became Europe's Battlefield

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

The Great CoursesDirector

The Great CoursesProducer

Pamela B. RadcliffActor