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Spanish Wars
A large part of Spanish history pertains to wars, specifically the Spanish/American Wan and the Spanish Civil War. Both wars were directly responsible for shaping and reshaping Spain, which we wanted to discuss in this article. Although war is a difficult time, it also plays a vital part of the building of countries.
Spanish American War
While Ferdinand VII was reigning, many North and South American colonies were lost. Sixteen of the new republics had reached independence in 1824, leaving the Spanish Empire sparse, which still controlled the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and three of the Pacific Islands to include the Marshalls, Marianas, and Carolines.
Relations between the Spanish and American were strained. Then in February of 1898, this relationship was brought to a breaking point when the USS Maine battleship met with an explosion that not only sunk the vessel but also killed off more than 65% of the crew. Keep in mind that many people were in support of those wanting Cuban freedom from control of Spain but with the sinking of the USS Main, emotions ran rampant, leading to the short, Spanish American War.
Just a few months later, Commodore George Dewey of the United States Pacific Squadron sent reinforcement into Manila Bay in the Philippines, where two of Spain’s fleets were demolished. Shortly thereafter, a battle erupted in Santiago, Cuba, this time led by Admiral William Sampson.
While both hits made by Dewey and Sampson were devastating, the fighting did not stop there. The Spanish American War continued when the Navy set up a blockade to the Cuban coastline and Spanish fortifications of San Juan were hit. Further gunfire came from US battleships to include the USS New York and the USS Iowa, among others. Marine and Army reinforcements landed in both Puerto Rico and Cuba, which ultimately led the United States to taking great power from Spain. The Spanish American War played a huge role in the collapse of the Spanish Empire.
Spanish Civil War
The next major war that broke out was the Spanish Civil War, which began in 1936 and continued for three years. This particular war involved General Francisco Franco leading the Spanish Army into Morocco, which was a battle of democrats and republicans. Interestingly, the people supporting the left wing included trade unions, workers, peasants, socialists, anarchists, communists, and the Spanish government. On the right wing, supporters involved were landowners, middle class civilians, industries, some rebellious Army members, and even the Catholic church.
Unfortunately, while the Spanish American War was short and only somewhat bloody, the Spanish Civil War would prove to be violent and very bloody. Those standing behind the left, or Loyalists were strong but not nearly as organized as the opponents, or right wing, Nationalist. In fact, the Nationalists gained tremendous support from Germany while the Loyalist did not. Although the Loyalists did get some help from Soviet Union, it was not much.
The outcome of the Spanish Civil War included a victory for Franco, which ultimately placed him in a 40-year dictatorship. Most people believe the Spanish Civil War was merely a precursor for World War II, although Spain was not involved. Sadly, Franco led Spain into isolation from the rest of the world but then in 1970 when Prince Juan Carlos was named Franco’s successor, the monarchy began to rebuild.
