Spanish Civil War: Nationalists Dossier. Chair: Gary DePalo Crisis Director: Sean Rastatter

Transcription

1 Spanish Civil War: Nationalists Dossier Chair: Gary DePalo Crisis Director: Sean Rastatter

2 Dear Delegates, It is an honor to invite you to the 21st Virginia International Crisis Simulation, the University of Virginia s annual collegiate Model United Nations conference. VICS XXI will be held at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville from March 31 to April 3, VICS offers nineteen innovative and interactive crisis committees, both historical and contemporary. We are committed to expanding the scope of what a crisis committee can do. As I write this letter in early November, our chairs are crafting their committees around topics ranging from the Space Race of the 1950s to a Summit of the American Gun Lobby. We are committed to expanding the scope of what a crisis committee can do, especially in our famous ad-hoc, the Secretary General s Good Offices, and in our pilot ad-hoc, the Directors General's Good Offices. I can think of no better setting for the conference than the Grounds of the University of Virginia. VICS provides you with opportunities to interact with the University s rich history and with the many resources it has to offer. For example, on Friday morning, VICS encourages delegates to explore Charlottesville. VICS offers a series of tours of the city's attractions. These events extend discussion outside of committee and they give you the chance to meet members of the International Relations Organization and of the university community. We also invite you to explore Charlottesville, one of the country s most exciting college towns. VICS hosts four social events in the city, which take you beyond a typical Model UN experience and provide opportunities to get to know delegates outside of committee. I look forward to welcoming you to the University of Virginia and Charlottesville in March. If you have any questions, please reach out to me or the Chargé d Affaires, Leah Day, atvics.charge@gmail.com or by phone at (703) Sincerely, Michael Treves Secretary General VICS XXI

3 1. Emilio Mola Commander of Spanish Forces, the North Originally born in the Spanish province of Cuba, Mola went to the Infantry Academy of Toledo. Mola gained notoriety among the military elite during the Second Moroccan War, where he became a leading authority on military tactics. Mola held the position of Director-General of Security under King Alfonso XIII. Mola is a skilled military tactician and key component of the Nationalist forces. 2. Gonzalo Queipo de Llano Commander of Spanish Forces, Andalusia Initially a brigadier general under Miguel Primo de Rivera s regime, Llano was demoted and thrown in jail for criticizing the manner in which Primo de Rivera was running the country. Llano was dismissed from the military in 1928, and became involved in a failed plot to overthrown King Alfonso XIII in Llano despises the Republican government and wishes to see its end by any means necessary. 3. Miguel Cabanellas Commander of Spanish Forces, Aragon A veteran of the Rif War, Miguel Cabanellas was promoted to brigadier general under Miguel Primo de Rivera s regime. In 1926, at the age of 54, Cabanellas was placed in the Spanish Reserve Army. This action frustrated Cabanellas and prompted him to rebel against Rivera s regime. Cabanellas represented the Radical Republican Party in the 1934 Cortes Generales. Cabanellas experience allows him to act as a natural mediator between the military and politician elements of the Nationalists. 4. Juan Yague Commander of Spanish Army of Morocco, First Division Yague enrolled in the Infantry Academy of Toledo as a young adult and fought during the Rif War. Wounded twice, Yague gained a reputation for grittiness. Yague was a member of the task force sent to crush the Asturias Rebellion in Yague, along with a number of military generals, plotted to overthrow the democratically elected Popular Front, which had won a majority in the 1936 Cortes Elections. Yague will play a key role in the fighting in the South. 5. Jose Varela Commander of Spanish Army of Morocco, Second Division Starting out as an enlisted soldier, Varela fought in the First Moroccan War for 3 years. After his time in Morocco, Varela enrolled in infantry school and became a lieutenant. Varela was sent back to Morocco during the Rif War, where he received the highest military award for service to Spain (Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand) on two separate occasions. Varela would later go on to organize the Requetes militia. Varela is a well-respected and trusted general. 6. Ramiro Ledesma Ramos Trade Union Representative Ramos received a degree from the Complutense University of Madrid. Soon after graduation, he grew interested in Benito Mussolini s movement in Italy. Captivated by the idea of a corporate state, Ramos began publishing the fascist periodical La Conquista del Estado in In his periodical, he attempted to bring together nationalist and anarcho-syndicalist factions.

4 7. José Millán Astray Director of the Office of Radio, Press, and Propaganda Astray attended the Infantry Academy of Toledo and graduated at the age of 16. Astray fought in the First Moroccan War, where he lost his left arm and right eye. This led to his name of Glorioso Mutilado (Glorious Amputee). Astray was an extremely reliable military commander and will prove a vital component to the Nationalist propaganda machine. 8. José Antonio Primo de Rivera Parliamentary Representative The eldest son of Miguel Primo de Rivera, Jose studied law at the University of Madrid for 6 years. After the abdication of King Alfonso XIII and the institution of the Second Republic, Jose formed Falange Espanola, basing it largely on fascist principles in place in Italy at the time. In March, 1936 he was arrested and charged with illegal firearms. He managed to break out and is now present at this meeting. 9. Manual Fal Conde Carlist Politician Conde attended a Jesuit college in Asturias as a young adult. Conde later went on to study law in Seville. Conde believed that his involvement in politics was a responsibility as a Christian and a call from God. He became a staunch opponent of the 1931 Constitution, more specifically Articles 26 and 27. Conde later went on to be a strong supporter of the Carlist movement and an opponent of anti-clericalism. 10. Tomas Dominguez Arevalo Carlist Politician Descended from wealthy landowners on both sides of the family, Arevalo s family had long been supporters of the Carlist Movement during the 19th Century. Arevalo had long been privy to the prospect of the inability of the Second Republic to contain a brewing revolution. Arevalo was integral in talks with other groups, such as Alfonsinos, who were interested in the prospect of a joint insurgency. 11. Manuel Hedilla Falange Politician Born in 1902, Manuel Hedilla ascended from being a Spanish mechanic to one of the leading members of the Falange. Before the civil war, Hedilla was a close associate of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, who was recognized as the leader of the Falange, allowing him to rise amongst the ranks of his peers within the movement. Due to his strong commitment to Falange ideals, while also being a core member, Hedilla frequently clashed with the Carlist faction, leading to his power being frequently checked during the war as the Carlists gained momentum within the Nationalist coalition. 12. Agustin Aznar Falange Politician Originally a medical doctor, Agustin Aznar was a leading Falangist politician before and during the Spanish Civil War. Along with Sancho Dávila y Fernández de Celis, Aznar led the group known as the legitimistas, who opposed the Hedilla faction of the Falange. Tensions between Aznar and Hedilla led to some clashes between their respective forces, which even got the attention of Franco, who tried to curb Aznar s belligerence towards Hedilla.

5 13. Sancho Davila y Fernandez de Celis Falange Politician Sancho Davila y Fernandez de Celis rose to prominence as a Falangist politician who became the ally of Agustin Aznar, helping form the legitimistas group within the Falange. Besides this, Davila was also a cousin of Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera, who gave him the job of expanding the operations of the Falange in the provinces of Seville and Cadiz. Shortly after, Davila rose to the rank of jefe territorial for the Andalusia region, cementing his importance to the cause. 14. Ramon Serrano Suner Falange Politician Originally a conservative member of the Cortes Generales, Ramon Serrano Suner became a leading politician within the falange and a close ally of Francisco Franco. During this time, Suner rose to the position of President of the Spanish Falange caucus in 1936, making him an important figure within the Nationalist Coalition. Suner was arrested in July, 1936 for conspiracy to overthrow the Republic, but managed to escape and is currently present at this meeting. 15. Carlos Asensio Cabanillas Colonel, Army of Africa Born in 1896, Carlos Asensio Cabanillas was the General of Franco s Army of Africa, which garrisoned the Spanish protectorate in Morocco against the Moroccan Independence Movement. Cabanillas first started out as a soldier of the Nationalist faction, then ascended to the rank of Colonel, where he scored major victories over the Republicans in Tetuan, Sevilla, Badajoz, Toledo, and Talavera. Cabanillas is a well-respected general and capable leader. 16. Juan Alberto March Ordinas Nationalist Supporter Juan Alberto March Ordinas was a businessman and the wealthiest man in Spain at the time of the Spanish Civil War. After being convicted of committing illegal dealings, March was imprisoned by the Second Spanish Republic, leading to his later backing of the Nationalist Party during the civil war. As a comparative outsider, March has been crucial in arranging meetings with outside groups up to this point. 17. Antonio Castejon Espinosa Captain, Spanish Legion Antonio Castejon Espinosa was a commander of the Spanish Legion and participated in the military uprising against the Second Spanish Republic. Espinosa was notorious for his iron-fisted leadership, and is a big proponent of pragmatic military strategy. Castejon is not afraid to take the gloves over and fight dirty. 18. Isidro Goma y Tomas Archbishop of Toledo, Primate of Spain Born in 1869, Isidro Goma y Tomas was a high-ranking member of the Catholic Church who supported the Nationalist Party during the Spanish Civil War. After being appointed by Pope Pius XI as Bishop of Tarazona, Goma was then appointed by the Pope in 1935 as Cardinal-Priest of San Pietro in Montorio, a church in Rome. As a priest, Goma was a fundamentalist, or integrista, who opposed the modernist faction of the Catholic Church. 19. Manuel Irurita y Almandoz Archbishop of Barcelona

6 Almandoz received doctoral degrees in Theology and Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Spain. Almandoz was prominent in the urban coastal cities of Spain, specifically Barcelona and Valencia. Almandoz was a strong opponent of the Second Republic s anti-clericalism, but was unable to rally support for the Nationalist Movement in Barcelona. Barcelona was largely dominated by Republican and anarchist factions looking to break away from Spain. 20. Eustaqio Ilundain y Esteban Cardinal & Archbishop of Seville Esteban was ordained as a priest in 1886, and was appointed as bishop of Ourense in Esteban was involved in a debacle with the local population of Ourense in 1909 which resulted in the death of seven villagers. The debacle stemmed from Esteban s attempt to renovate the local church of Santa Maria la Real de Oseira, which was beloved by the townsfolk. Esteban was promoted to Cardinal the next year in He has significant influence in the Catholic Church. 21. Armindo Montiero Minister of Foreign Affairs, Portugal Montiero is the minister of foreign affairs for Portugal, a county sympathetic to the cause of the nationalists. Montierno has an important role in the Estado Novo regime, and has influence over decisions made by António de Oliveira Salazar, the Prime Minister of Portugal. He has influence over many Portuguese politicians and is vital in the consideration of aid from Portugal. 22. José María Gil-Robles y Quiñones de León Leader, CEDA A lifetime politician, Gil-Robles was the founder and leader of the Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right (CEDA), a political party that won the elections of 1933 and 1935, marking his rise to power. In 1936, the Popular Front beat CEDA in elections, and CEDA all but dissolved. Gil-Robles was aware of the coup that took place in July of 1936, although he was not actively part of it. He has always been sympathetic to both nationalist and republican causes. 23. Manuel Gimenez Fernandez CEDA Politician A professor of canon law, Gimenez Fernandez was also a respected politician and member of CEDA, aligning him with both the liberal and conservative wings of the party. He was the Minister of Agriculture from October 1934 to April 1935, being forced to resign after attacks from the radical wing of CEDA. He was again elected to parliament in 1936 for the district of Segovia. Gimenez Fernandez is an effective compromiser, and was able to work across the aisle while he was in the Spanish legislature. 24. José Moscardó e Ituarte Military Governor, Toledo Province Moscardó was the Military Governor of Toledo, a province 30 miles south of Madrid. Moscardó was a very gritty leader of the Toledo Province, fighting to the last man if the situation required it. Moscardó is methodical with the execution of his military plans, and is extremely thorough in his planning. He will play an essential in consolidating power in the crucial central region of Spain surrounding Madrid.

7 25. Antonio Goicoechea Leader, Renovación Española Goicoechea is the leader of the Renovación Española political party in Spain. He served briefly as the Minister of the Interior in 1919, and negotiated a military agreement with Benito Mussolini that promised Italian help for the Nationalists in the war against the Republicans in the event of a civil war. Unfortunately, this agreement did not go forward when the Civil War did break out. 26. José María Perez de Laborda Leader, Juventudes de Acción Popular Perez is the leader of the Juventudes de Accion Popular (JAP), a right-wing youth branch of CEDA founded in After the first leader of JAP was expelled in 1934, Perez took over the leadership role for the party. JAP is known for their youthful enthusiasm, and their emphatic support of Gil-Robles, the leader of CEDA. Perez will be important in rallying the support of Spain s youth. 27. Fidel Davila Arrondo President, Technical Board of the State Arrondo was born in Barcelona, and fought in Cuba during the Spanish-American War, receiving the Cruz del Merito Militar. Soon after, Arrondo was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to the Spanish Moroccan division. He was part of the coup to overthrow the Popular Front Government, and seized the civil government of Burgos during the overthrow. Arrondo is a rare individual in the sense that he bridges the gap between the military and politics. 28. Mohamed Meziane Commander of Regulares Known as El Mizzian, Mohamed Meziane is the only Moroccan ever to become a general in Spain. Meziane was the Commander of the Regulares for the Spanish Army. The Regulares made up the shock troops, or attacking force of the army, whose fierceness made them highly feared among Republicans. Meziana had experiencing fighting in numerous conflicts, including the Rif War. He joined the nationalist faction during the government overthrow. 29. Pilar Primo de Rivera Leader of the Seccion Feminina Pilar was the sister of José Antonio Primo de Rivera, the founder of the Falange, and the daughter of Miguel Primo de Rivera, the former dictator general. She was the enthusiastic head of the Seccion Femenina, or the Women s Section of the Falange. She was crucial in rallying domestic support during the war and setting up female military divisions. 30. María Rosa Urraca Pastor Carlist Politician María Rosa was a Carlist politician who ran for parliament multiple times but was never elected. She was imprisoned several times by the Republic, but continued to speak out for her ideals. She is currently aiding the cause by recruiting women and organizing medical services for the nationalist movement. 31. Agustin Parrado y Garcia Archbishop of Granada Garcia was ordained at the age of 23 and went on to direct a diocesan newspaper in Valladolid. Garcia was appointed as Bishop of Palencia in 1925, and was later named

8 Archbishop of Granada in Presiding over a mixed Catholic-Muslim population, Garcia s power was limited. The anti-clerical legislation of the Second Republic drove him to support the Nationalist Movement. 32. Esteban de Bilbao Eguia Carlist Politician Eguia studied law and philosophy at the Jesuit University of Deusto and completed his studies at the University of Salamanca. Eguia was elected to the Spanish Cortes in 1916 and was re-elected in While Eguia welcomed the abdication of Alfonso XIII, he was not satisfied with the new Constitution. Eguia gravitated towards conservative movements in the 1930s and was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church. 33. Jose Sainz Nothnagel Falange Politician Jose Nothnagel studied in Germany and received a degree in electrical engineering in Nothnagel briefly held the position of Director of the Office of Tourism in Toledo. Nothnagel helped found the Falange in He was essential in negotiations between the Falange and the army leading up to the coup. Nothnagel eventually became a battlefield organizer, helping to bridge the gap between political decisions and actions on the ground. 34. Jose Maria Mariano Escriva y Albas Founder of Opus Dei Albas became ordained as a Catholic priest at the age of 22, and went on to study law at the Central University of Spain. Albas founded Opus Dei in 1928, an organization that allowed Catholics to find God through secular work and helping others. Extremely devote, Albas will play a key role in organizing and mobilizing the Catholic masses. 35. Angel Herrera Oria Co-founder of the National Catholic Propagandists Association Born as the thirteenth child of a family of fifteen, Oria studied law at the University of Deusto. During his time there, he also completed a secondary study with the Jesuit Fathers in Valladolid. Oria helped found the National Association of Catholic Propagandists at a relatively early age, and become its President in Oria played a large role in spreading pro-catholic sentiment and mobilizing against anticlericalism.

9 CONTACT US We would appreciate hearing your feedback about out conference. Please direct all inquiries and comments to our Secretary-General. Michael Treves Secretary-General You can also contact us at the mailing address below: IRO c/o The International Relations Organization at the University of Virginia PO Box Newcomb Hall Station Charlottesville, VA Non-Affiliation Statement Although this organization has members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organizations contracts, acts, or omissions.