When Did Madrid Fall?

By Robert Palmer

The fall of Madrid is an important event in Spanish history. It marks the end of the Spanish Civil War and the beginning of General Franco’s dictatorship.

The war was fought between the Republicans and the Nationalists, and it lasted from 1936 to 1939. The battle for Madrid was one of the most significant battles fought during the war, as it was the capital of Spain and had great symbolic value.

The Battle for Madrid

The battle for Madrid began in November 1936 when General Franco’s Nationalist troops advanced towards the city. The Republicans were outnumbered, but they put up a fierce resistance. The city was heavily bombarded, and many buildings were destroyed.

Despite the odds against them, the Republicans managed to hold on to Madrid for over two years. They received aid from other countries such as Russia and Mexico, which helped them to withstand Franco’s attacks.

The Fall of Madrid

On March 28th, 1939, Madrid finally fell to General Franco’s troops. The Republican forces were exhausted and running low on supplies. They could no longer hold off Franco’s well-equipped army.

After taking control of Madrid, General Franco declared victory in the civil war and established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975.

The Aftermath

The fall of Madrid marked a turning point in Spanish history. It led to a period of political repression and censorship under General Franco’s government. Tens of thousands of people were imprisoned or executed for their political beliefs during this time.

It wasn’t until after Franco’s death that Spain began its transition to a democratic government. Today, Madrid is a thriving capital city with a rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The fall of Madrid was a significant event in Spanish history. It marked the end of the Spanish Civil War and the beginning of General Franco’s dictatorship.

The battle for Madrid was one of the most significant battles fought during the war, and it had great symbolic value. While the fall of Madrid led to a dark period in Spanish history, it also paved the way for Spain’s transition to a democratic government.