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losses at the Battle of Teruel, half the Republican troops lacked even rifles, and since the best troops had been withdrawn to refit, the frontline defenders had no combat experience.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.
Due to material losses at the Battle of Teruel, half of the Republican troops were without rifles, and since the best troops had been withdrawn for refitting, frontline defenders lacked combat experience.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 was starting to diminish. Essentially, the Republican army was caught off guard by the Nationalist attack.