Greatest Battles of the Spanish Civil War - Spain

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

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Greatest Battles of the Spanish Civil War
Spain

Presentation:

Occurring between the two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War is sometimes forgotten. This series of documentaries will take you deep inside some of the battles that made this war so impactful on European history.  

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) is remarkable in many aspects. It was an opportunity for anarchists to show their bravery and for the Spanish people to choose their destiny by experimenting with utopian socialist organizations. Considered by many to be first modern war, the war marked the invention of tactics and techniques that were used during World War Two. For the first time, the two major worldviews, fascism and communism, clashed. Sometimes dramatic, but usually epic and sublime, the Spanish Civil War remains an important moment in military history.

Synopsis: 

Episode 1: The Battle of Badajoz

The first major battle of the Spanish Civil War, the Battle of Badajoz is well-known because of the repression that came after the victory of the Nationalist troops. The massacre at Badajoz is still one of the most controversial and most sensitive events of the Spanish Civil War.

Episode 2: The Battle of Toledo

Franco abandons Madrid to come to the aid of the insurgents in the city of Toledo. The siege of Alcazar takes two months. When they are released, the city remains in ruins.

Episode 3: The Battle of Madrid I

The Battle of Madrid is the most violent episode of the siege in Madrid, during which Franco attempted to conquer the capital. Supported by the Italian expeditionary force and German panzer tanks, he launched his troops towards the city. The battle lasted from October 1936 to March 1939. 

Episode 4: The Battle of Madrid II 

Having failed to take Madrid, Franco ordered the bombing of the city, ready to do anything rather than "leave the city on Marxists hands." This bombardment on the civilian population - one of the first in history - was strongly criticized by the international press.

Episode 5: The Battle of Jarama

The river Jarama runs just east of Madrid. It is here where General Franco's Nationalists attacked Republican troops. After days of fighting, neither side ends up winning and instead face widespread casualties.

Episode 6: The Battle of Guadalajara

The Republican army defeated the Nationalist forces attempting to get into Madrid. Nationalist forces edged their way into the outskirts of the city until a counter attack by the Republicans successfully stopped their advance.

Episode 7: The Northern Campaign

Franco decided to shift the focus of the war to the North in late March 1937.  This decision involved a change in his objectives, but this critical move led his army to win Vizcaya, Santander and Asturias between April and October, changing the initial balance of forces established in July 1936.

Episode 8: The Battle of Brunete

Fifteen miles west of Madrid, Republicans attempted to get Nationalists to back away from the capital and areas north in Battle of Brunete. The Republicans were initially successful but were forced to retreat and suffered devastating casualties.

Episode 9: The Battle of Belchite

The Republican military fail at their attempts to capture Brunete, so they decide to try a new series of offensives to slow down the Nationalist advance in the north of the country. A new campaign, therefore, was planned for Aragon.

Episode 10: The Battle of Teruel

Several strategic priorities motivated the Republic's decision to move toward Teruel. The Republican military thought that Teruel was not strongly held but they will be surprised.

Episode 11: The Battle of Ebro I

The Battle of the Ebro was the longest and bloodiest battle of the Spanish Civil War. It took place between July and November 1938, with fighting mainly concentrated in two areas on the lower course of the Ebro River.

Episode 12: The Battle of Ebro II

The Battle of Ebro left tens of thousands dead once it ended. It was a disastrous battle for the Second Spanish Republic.

Episode 13: The Battle of Catalonia

Episode 14: Madrid´s Fall

Episode 15: The Civilians

The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)