Because of the material losses at the Battle of Teruel, half the Republican troops lacked even rifles, and since the best troops had been withdrawn to refit, the frontline defenders had no combat experience. The Republic could not replace its lost equipment as Soviet aid was starting to dry up. Essentially, the Republican army was surprised by the Nationalist attack.
At the Battle of Teruel, material losses deprived half of the Republican troops of rifles, and since the best troops had been withdrawn for refitting, frontline defenders lacked combat experience. The Republic could not replace its lost equipment as Soviet aid started to decrease. Essentially, the Republican army was caught off guard by the Nationalist attack.