When Did Franco Invade Madrid?

By Alice Nichols

In 1936, Spain was in a state of political turmoil, with two factions vying for power: the Nationalists and the Republicans. The Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, were a right-wing group seeking to overthrow the democratically elected Republic. The Republicans, on the other hand, were a coalition of left-wing parties that had come to power in 1931.

The Spanish Civil War

The conflict between these two groups led to a long and bloody civil war that lasted from 1936 to 1939. The war saw intense fighting across Spain as both sides battled for control of the country. In July of 1936, General Franco launched an uprising against the government in an attempt to seize power.

The Siege of Madrid

Madrid was one of the main centers of Republican resistance during the war, and it was heavily defended by loyalist forces. Franco recognized that taking Madrid would be a major blow to Republican morale and set his sights on capturing the city.

The siege of Madrid began in November of 1936 when Nationalist forces surrounded the city and began bombarding it with artillery fire. The Republicans put up a fierce resistance, holding out against Franco’s forces for over two years.

The Fall of Madrid

Despite their best efforts, however, the Republicans were eventually forced to abandon Madrid in March of 1939. This marked a significant turning point in the war and paved the way for Franco’s eventual victory.

  • November 1936: Siege of Madrid begins
  • March 1939: Madrid falls to Franco’s forces

Conclusion

The fall of Madrid was a major turning point in the Spanish Civil War, marking the beginning of the end for the Republican forces. Franco’s victory in the war would have far-reaching consequences for Spain, leading to decades of authoritarian rule under his regime.

Today, Madrid is a thriving city and a symbol of Spanish democracy. The scars of the civil war are still visible in some parts of the city, but they serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who fought to defend it.