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Explain the history of the Spanish Civil War
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The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and lasted until 1939. It was a conflict between Republicans, those loyal to Spain's democratically elected albeit left-leaning government, and Nationalists, a group led by General Francisco Franco and primarily composed of conservative elements within the army. The war began as a result of widespread dissatisfaction with the government as it confronted increasing political and economic hardship. The Nationalists successfully overthrew the Republican government, and Franco established a military dictatorship that lasted until 1975. Throughout the civil war, foreign powers from both sides of the conflict - including Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union - provided military and financial resources to support the opposing sides. The conflict resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Spaniards, both civilian and military, and, ultimately, in the defeat of the Republican forces.