The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict in Spain that started after an attempted coup d’état committed by parts of the army against the government of the Second Spanish Republic. The Civil War devastated Spain from July 17, 1936 to April 1, 1939, ending with victory of the rebels and the founding of a dictatorship led by the Nationalist General Francisco Franco.
The supporters of the Republic gained the support of the Soviet Union and Mexico, while the followers of the First Rebellion, nacionales, received the support of the major European Axis powers – Italy, Germany, and Portugal. The war increased tensions in the lead-up to the Second World War. The advent of mass media allowed an unprecedented level of attention and so the war became notable for the passion and political division it inspired, and for atrocities committed on both sides of the conflict.
On July 17, 1936, the nationalist-traditionalist rebellion, long feared by some in the popular front government, began. Exiled military officers suspected of conspiracy against the Republic took control of the Balearic and Canary Islands. Franco was flown to Spanish Morocco where the Spanish Army of Africa, led by Nationalist ranks, was almost unopposed in assuming control. The rising was intended to be a swift coup d’état, but was botched and the government was able to retain control of only part of the country.
