What Were the Causes and Concequences of the Spanish Civil War?

Spanish Civil War , Francisco Franco , World War II

What were the causes and consequences of the Spanish civil war?

The Spanish Civil War had been majorly caused by a series of long-term events and short-term events which had contributed to its outbreak in July 17th, 1936. The consequences of the Spanish Civil War may be divided in terms of its effect on Spain and its effect upon the rest of the world. Paul Preston argues that the war had been influenced by a series of events, which had built up until the final eruption of the war in 1936. Preston argues that the social tension in Spain during the 19th and early 20th century had contributed to the outbreak of the war. The differences between the Socialists, Nationalists, Anarchists and the Republicans had created a very tense atmosphere in Spain. Moreover, the failure of the political system to address these tensions meant that they festered in to the 20th century making civil war more likely in a country with a very violent past.

Paul Preston claims that Spain’s 19th and early 20th century played a significant role in the causes of the Spanish Civil War. Preston argues that there was a build-up to social tension due to Spain’s late industrialization and due to Spain’s failure to follow Britain’s and France’s economic and political development. Spain’s refusal to enter the First World War had benefited her. Spain was able to sell to the Entente and allied powers, causing the boom of her coal, steel and ship building industries. However, Basque and Catalan industrialists wanted more political influence. Workers were angered because the export industry had led to shortages. The army was also angry about the loss of Cuba in 1898 and begun to offer themselves as a reforming institution. This increased political and social tension. The landed class was under the threat of a possible takeover from an unlikely alliance of the army, the capitalists and the workers. Preston argues that such an alliance could have brought the changes that Spain required. However, the...
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