Who were the primary opposing sides in the Spanish Civil War?

The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, was primarily fought between two major factions: the Republicans and the Nationalists. The Republicans were a coalition of various leftist groups, including socialists, communists, and anarchists, who sought to defend the Spanish Republic and promote progressive reforms. They represented a diverse range of ideologies united primarily by their opposition to the Nationalists.

On the other side were the Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, who sought to overthrow the democratically elected Republican government. This group was composed mainly of conservative, monarchist, and fascist elements. The Nationalists aimed to establish a authoritarian regime and restore traditional societal structures, often with military support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy.

This conflict was not simply a battle between two political ideologies; it also represented a struggle between traditionalism and modernism, fascism and socialism, as well as regional autonomy movements within Spain. The war had significant repercussions for Spain and influenced global politics, particularly as it showcased the ideological battle between fascism and communism that would become more pronounced in World War II.