Stages of the Civil War - STAGE 1

Question 1

When was Stage 1?

Answer 1

September 1936 - March 1937

Question 2

Progress of the Nationalists?

Answer 2

taken Toledo (sw of madrid) + Irun in the Basque region by end of Sep 1936
+
formed an arc of influence in the north, west, south of Madrid
+
nationalists controlled french border, isolating Basque region from help

Question 3

Progress of the Republicans?

Answer 3

many thought Mola would take over Madrid from the north
BUT
logistical issues + internal strategic disagreement = republicans maintained Madrid
+
nov 1936 - repub gov moved to Valencia = less vulnerable

Question 4

What was the significance of Madrid?

Answer 4

madrid = symbolic focus of the war - whoever held the capital holds the power
BUT
stalemate around Madrid so nationalist forces sent to Toledo w Mola left near Madrid to disrupt supply line + continue attack

Question 5

How successful was Mola at taking Madrid?

Answer 5

mola’s tactics ineffective so F happy to let Mola try and take Madrid = likely to fail

Question 6

How successful was Franco when he went elsewhere from Madrid?
+ when?

Answer 6

Franco’s forces beaten at Jarama
+
Feb 1937

Question 7

Was there success for nationalists Feb 1937?

Answer 7

YES
black shirts took the city of Malaga

Question 8

Where the black shirts successful Feb 1937+?

Answer 8

NO
March 1937 italian blackshirts beaten at Guadalajara

Question 9

What was the blackshirts?

Answer 9

• referred to as ‘italian corps’
• arrived in Cadiz at end of 1936
• ‘unofficial militia force’
• 75,000 approx. served alongside spanish nationalists
• many volunteers guided by a few army officers