International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

Extract

The Spanish Revolution marked the end of the revolutionary cycle that had begun in 1917. In many ways the level of popular control, initiative, and social experimentation went further than in Russia 19 years previously. However, the nature of this revolution, whether it was an integral part of or even an obstacle to the military struggle against fascism, deeply divided the Spanish left. The Revolution of 1936 has to be placed within the context of the factors that led to civil war. When a democratic Republic emerged from the debris of monarchy and military dictatorship (Primo de Rivera, 1923–30), the country was faced with massive problems on the road to modernization. The liberals and social democrats that formed the first Republican government (1931–3) set out to reform Spain's antiquated and unproductive agrarian system, break the power of the church, modernize the army, and grant autonomy to the national minorities. With their colorful and eye-catching artwork, propaganda posters played a prominent role in the Spanish Revolution and ensuing civil war to defend the republic and were used by all factions to win the public to their cause. This poster features barbed wire against a backdrop of armed soldiers and a call to action: “Defending Madrid is Defending Catalonia.” (Getty Images) Spanish capitalism was relatively backward and dominated by agriculture. However, during the ... log in or subscribe to read full text