Spanish Civil War Background -
The Spanish Civil War started in 1936 and ended in 1936. The battle was between the Republicans and Nationalists. Republicans were loyal to the democratic Spanish Republic and the nationalists were a rebel group. Democracy was established after dictator General Primo de Rivera resigned. Republicans won all major cities in Spain. However, many problems arose as the new government was being formed. Two important regions in Spain wanted independence – Catalonia and the Basque region. If the did end up succeeding the country would’ve been broken up completely. Spain also had a hostile relationship with the Roman Catholic Church. The Great Depression also caused a lot of struggle and financial problems for the people of Spain. Unemployment in agriculture and industrial caused most of the working class to lose support in the Republic. Those in control of the government had very different views on what to do. The government then started to attack the upper, more privileged class and take their property which could’ve lead to a capitalist government. The rebels believed in a communist state. The Republicans were supported by Soviet Union and International Brigades and the Nationalists were supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The two sides battled and fought disagreeing on the state of government they believed in. The war ended in 1939, roughly 40,000 to 1,000,000 Spaniards died and the Nationalists won and leader of the rebels, General Francisco Franco ruled until his death in 1975. Historians now believe this war was a testing ground for many weapons that were used later on in WWII. The Spanish Civil War was the first battle that used airplanes for civilian bombings. This war was a major turning point not just in Spain, but al European history.
Lorca’s Life -
Federico Garcîa Lorca was born on June 5, 1898, in Fuente Vaqueros, Spain. He first studied law at the University of Granada but then found discovered a passion for piano and guitar and became an expert. In 1919 he moved to Madrid. In 1927, Lorca became quite famous for his play Marina Pineda who he worked on with good friend Salvador Dali. Lorca moved around for a little. He lived in New York but then returned to Spain in 1931 and wrote multiple plays expressing homosexuality which was forbidden at the time. Lorca then wrote a trilogy of plays which showcased the ideas of love, passion, violence, and death which reflected in his life. During the Spanish Civil war in 1936, Lorca was a made an enemy of the right wing under command of General Francisco. They ended up finding him and executed him. He was charged with “liberal politics” however many believe he was also shot for being homosexual. His work was forbidden until Francisco died in 1970 and now has resurfaced as a prominent Spanish poet and playwright.
Andalucia Spain in 1930’s -
Andalucia is located in the South of Spain. It played a major part during the Spanish Civil War. Andalucia was used a major city for importing German and Italian soldiers who allied with the Nationalists. It was a fairly rural area on the coast of the Mediterranean mostly known for farming until the rebels used it. The rebels used Andalucia to bring in and send out supplies and people. Many soldiers from both sides died in Andalucia. Today it is known as a mass grave. There have been dozens and hundreds of unidentified bodies found there.