the sixteenth annual conference January 20-22, 2017

Transcription

1 Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 1

2 VANCOUVER MODEL UNITED NATIONS the sixteenth annual conference January 20-22, 2017 Dear Delegates, Alvin Tsuei Secretary-General Chris Pang Chief of Staff Eva Zhang Director-General Arjun Mehta Director of Logistics Graeme Brawn USG General Assemblies Ryan Karimi USG Specialized Agencies Mary Dong USG Conference Ken Hong USG Delegate Affairs Isabelle Cheng USG Delegate Affairs Jason Qu USG Finance Jan Lim USG Marketing Welcome to the Republican Cabinet of Spain Together we will embark on a journey through the matinée of World War II. This committee to an even greater extent than other committees is a role play committee, with the difference being that you are playing a historical figure in a historical period rather than representing a country. We will outline your positions, who held them, and their ideology and allegiance in the Personal Portfolios (to be discussed later); however, as there is limited information on these people, and what happens in our committee will be different from real life, you will all have some leeway with them. This committee will run as a continuous moderated caucus, with chances for motions and points always available. This means you will not need to motion for moderated caucuses, unless you wish to force discussion on a specific topic for a fixed period of time. Also, as you are not necessarily all agreeing on things, but rather having periods of discussion followed by action in a certain division, this committee will be mainly based around directives. Some directives may need more signatories, or may need to be implemented as a resolution instead of a directive. That will be up to the director's discretion. An important note is this committee's policy on delegate's being removed from the committee. In most MUN committees, you are not given the opportunity to exile, overthrow, execute, or imprison someone in a way such that they are removed from the bargaining table. In many cases, you can't even revoke or change their power or position. In some instances, the latter is not true, but the former generally holds pretty firmly, and for good reason. However, in our tremulous times we are not bound by such rules. If you feel you have an opportunity to sell out, blackmail, overthrow, or imprison someone, you should certainly try, and you may be able to expect some degree of success. In the case of one s character being killed, imprisoned, exiled, or any other of a variety of horrible things they will be assigned a new character and a short personal portfolio to go along with it. Please try to immerse yourself in this new character s ideology and work within their mindset. The one request I do make with regard to this is that you not let anything from the world of 2017, including knowledge of future events, impact your decisions. Thank you, Callum Shepard Director of Republican Cabinet of Spain July 17, 1936 Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 1

3 Spanish Civil War of 1936 Position Paper Policy What is a Position Paper? A position paper is a brief overview of a country s stance on the topics being discussed by a particular committee. Though there is no specific format the position paper must follow, it should include a description of your positions your country holds on the issues on the agenda, relevant actions that your country has taken, and potential solutions that your country would support. At Vancouver Model United Nations, delegates should write a position paper for each of the committee s topics. Each position paper should not exceed one page, and should all be combined into a single document per delegate. Formatting Position papers should: Include the name of the delegate, his/her country, and the committee Be in a standard font (e.g. Times New Roman) with a 12-point font size and 1-inch document margins Not include illustrations, diagrams, decorations, national symbols, watermarks, or page borders Include citations and a bibliography, in any format, giving due credit to the sources used in research (not included in the 1-page limit) Due Dates and Submission Procedure Position papers for this committee must be submitted by midnight on January 8th, Once your position paper is complete, please save the file as your last name, your first name and send it as an attachment in an , to your committee s address, with the subject heading as your last name, your first name Position Paper. Please do not add any other attachments to the or write anything else in the body. Both your position papers should be combined into a single PDF or Word document file; position papers submitted in another format will not be accepted. Each position paper will be manually reviewed and considered for the Best Position Paper award. The address for this committee is rcc@vmun.com. Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 2

4 Table of Contents The Spanish Civil War of Historical Analysis... 4 Timeline... 6 Current Situation... 7 Anarcho-Syndicalism and Catalonia:... 8 Left Communism:... 8 Stalinists:... 8 Socialists:... 8 Republicans:... 8 Basque Country:... 9 Catalonia:... 9 International Situation Soviet Union: Germany and Italy: France and Britain: International Brigades: Personal Portfolios Confederacion Nationale de Trabajors: FEDERACIÓN ANARQUISTA IBÉRICA: FEDERICA MONTSENY: DIEGO ABAD DE SANTILLÁN MANUEL BUENACASA TOMEO JUAN GARCÍA OLIVER BUENAVENTURA DURRUTI SYNDICALIST PARTY ÁNGEL PESTAÑA Popular Front The Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista: ANDRÉS NIN JULIÁN GORKIN Partido Communista de España: DOLORES IBÁRRURI JOSÉ DÍAZ JUAN ASTIGARRABÍA Partido Socialista Obero Español: INDALECIO PRIETO JULIÁN BESTEIRO JUAN NEGRÍN Uníon General de Trabajadores: FRANCISCO LARGO CABALLERO Republican Left Party: MANUEL AZAÑA SANTIAGO CASARES Y QUIROGA DIEGO MARTÍNEZ BARRIO Regionalist Parties Estat Català: JOSEP DENCÀS I PUIGDOLLERS Basque Nationalist Party: JOSÉ ANTONIO AGUIRRE References Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 3

5 Spanish Civil War of 1936 Historical Analysis Ever since the industrialization of Spain in the late nineteenth century, the bourgeoisie and proletariat have been in a state of class war. As a capitalist class was formed, so too was the class of the educated proletariat. Influenced by the ideas of Marx, Bakunin, and other 19th and 20th century leftist Philosophers, they began forming trade unions to assure the rights of the working class. Some of these trade unions had the mission of revolution, The CNT and UGT started out with this mission, but mostly simply sought to bridge the gap between the workers and the bourgeoisie. This class conflict coincided with a rise in a popular desire for liberty and democracy. This was shown by the failed First Spanish Republic as well as the other defeated republican movements. This desire was at odds with conservative monarchism, and the desire for a strong leader both key reasons for the draw of Dictators such as de Rivera and the draw of the Falange. The Spanish Empire had been on the fall since the early 19th century with the majority of its holdings independent by Following the Spanish-American War their final colonies outside of the money sucking African holdings were taken from them. This led to a strong spirit of Revanchism (a desire to retake what one once had) and a desire for strong leadership to make Spain great again. This spirit is what drove the Falange (far right fascist group) and the monarchists coupled with the fear of communism. Spain also had far right Monarchists, known as the Carlists, plaguing the nation throughout the 19th century. Believing in an absolute monarchy, the Carlists have not died, simply morphed and quieted down. Following the horrors of the great war, distrust in the current systems became common. Immediately following the war came the October Revolution, which showed the leftists that revolution was truly possible. Consequently, large numbers of the Proletariat came over to the Leftists. This influx led to new ideas being developed. The most important development was the Anarcho-Syndicalist ideology of the FAI (see Anarcho- Syndicalism and Catalonia for more information). The Rif War to control Morocco began poorly for the Spanish; seeing the failure of the Constitutional Monarchy, the military led a coup and installed Miguel Primo de Riviera as a dictator, with the King s support. Following his enthronement, the Rif War, mostly due to the French Intervention for Spain, took a turn to the positive. This led to a belief among those in favour of the war, the bourgeoisie, monarchists, and conservatives, that strong leadership is necessary for progress to be made. Simultaneously, Mussolini created the world's first Fascist state in Italy. His work became very popular with many conservatives in Spain and a Fascist movement began to grow within the country. De Riviera attempted to make reforms to appease the growing and radicalizing labour movement the FAI (anarchists) had seized control of the CNT; however, these reforms were mostly useless. As the economy began to collapse he was forced to step down, as his disposal by the military and king was imminent. A temporary government, led by the then Trotskyite Besteiro and the Republican Zamora, was established. In 1931, they signed in the constitution and the Second Republic was declared. In the elections of 1931, a Moderate Socialist and Republican coalition was elected consisting of the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Party), POUM (Party for Marxist Unification), Radical Republicans, and PCE (Communist Party of Spain). Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 4

6 The newly elected government focused on trying to prevent further radicalization and ensuring the establishment of democracy nationwide. Minor economic reforms also took place in this period, including the strengthening of the unions. With a leftist government, Leftist Radicals began committing violence against men of the church, to which the government responded little. Monarchists and Fascists also began committing violence against the state, they were subsequently imprisoned in broad sweeping raids and arrests. They also reestablished the Generalitat of Catalonia, marking Catalonia as a stronghold of support for the Republic. Eventually the coalition broke down over the issues of political prisoners and economic reform in New elections were called. The CEDA, a coalition of centre-right and right wing parties came in first it is important to note that the Anarchists were encouraged to abstain from voting and millions did not. Forming a coalition with the Radical Republican Party they came into government. The far left was very unhappy with this result, however. In 1934 the CEDA began to repeal many of the reforms the socialists and communists pushed. This led to widespread anger among the working class. In response the UGT organized a workers strike in Malaga. This strike soon turned violent and fighting erupted in the streets. General Franco was called in a dealt with the strike with efficient and brutal means. Meanwhile, the Generalitat declared Catalonian Independence as part of a larger Spanish Federal Republic. The government forces soon put an end to the dreams of and to the generalitat itself. As distrust of the government began among communists violence between the far right and the far left continued. This violence as well as the policies of the CEDA led to rises in membership of the CNT and UGT. A few far leftist groups, the Friends of Durruti among them, began assassinating rightist leaders and robbing banks. Simultaneously the precursors to the Falange and other fascist groups began taking actions against the Left, murdering multiple members, the military being targeted in particular. In late 1935 the coalition between the CEDA and the Radical Republicans Broke down. Elections were called and a coalition of Leftist forces the Popular Front, including the Radical Republicans, was formed. The PF won widespread victories, due to the major turnout of Anarchists as well as the growing anti-ceda sentiment outside of Castille. Taking power the PF quickly reestablished the Generalitat of Catalonia as well as entered talks with the Galatian and Basque regionalists. Buoyed by the leftist victory the more radical anarchists and communists began collectivizing their workplaces and engaging in violence against the bourgeoisie and church. The Falange and other right wing groups began attacking leftist leaders concurrently. A special anti-fascist task force was developed to disband the fascist militias as well as the more organized groups such as the Falange. Conflict, escalating throughout the country, cumulates in the murder of José Castillo a leader of the anti- Fascist Task Force. In response they assassinated José Calvo Sotelo, the leader of the monarchists and of the right wing opposition. In response to the death of Sotelo, Fascist and right wing militias led an insurrection on the day of his, and of José Castillo s, funeral. Seizing parts of Madrid conflict broke out between government forces and the militia. Meanwhile the CNT-FAI (Anarchists) and POUM (Left-Communists) led a revolution in Catalonia seizing control of most of the remaining Bourgeoisie controlled means of production. Men of the Church were also killed during this revolution, in larger numbers than ever seen before. Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 5

7 Timeline First Spanish Republic Established First Spanish Republic Disbanded PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party) founded Spanish-American War CNT (National Confederation of Labour) founded The Great War Rif War Begins Miguel Primo de Rivera seizes power in military coup Rif War Ends, Spanish Victory FAI (Iberian Anarchist Federation) formed within CNT to keep it on its original mission Miguel Primo de Rivera steps down having lost support of army and king and fearing revolution Provisional government of Spain Second Spanish Republic begins Niceto Alcalá-Zamora elected president Churches and Catholic establishments across the country set ablaze Arson acts against Catholic Churches Malaga workers strike Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalonian Regionalist Government) formed CEDA (right and far right coalition) wins elections, forms coalition with Radical Republicans Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista formed CEDA suspends economic reforms October 6th, Workers rebellions in Asturias October 7th, Generalitat de Catalunya declares Republic of Catalonia as part of the Federal Republic of Spain October 12th, CEDA disbands the Generalitat October 20th, Franco crushes rebellion in Asturias Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 6

8 Straperlo scandal November 15th, UMRA (anti-fascist secret society within the military) formed December 12th, Falange Española (a far right fascist organization, paramilitary, and political party) formed January 7th, Popular Front (a coalition of far left and centre-left political parties) formed February 16th, Popular Front wins 263 seats in parliament February 25th, Generalitat re-established by Popular Front July 12th, José Castillo, an important UMRA member, murdered by Falange July 13th, UMRA assassinates José Calvo Sotelo, leader of the right wing opposition and prominent monarchist, in retaliation July 14th, Fighting between Fascist militias and the Police Assault Guard breaks out in Madrid. July 17th, General Francisco Franco begins mutiny in Spanish Morocco Current Situation Ideologies and Political Rule Map of 1936 Election results (Red is PF, Blue is CEDA, Green is Centro) Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 7

9 Anarcho-Syndicalism and Catalonia: Anarcho-Syndicalism, or Anarcho-Collectivism, is the ideology of the FAI. They believe that the state should be disbanded and power be given over to the workers, organized in syndicates or collectives which then govern themselves. It also espouses violent revolution in order to achieve these goals. Starting in 1931 revolution in favour of this began in Catalonia with the destruction of churches and symbols of Catholicism; however, it didn t truly begin en masse until In 1936, following the ascension of a government empathetic to the Anarchist goals, mass murder of priests and nuns began. In this time the workplaces were also collectivized, most members of the bourgeoisie leaving to other parts of Spain, pretending to be members of the Proletariat, fleeing to France, or being shot en masse. This popular movement of collectivization, while still taking place, has been very successful. Anarcho-Syndicalism has huge support among the Catalonian population given the massive increase in quality of life it has given them. Catalonian production is going strong currently and set to increase even further. The FAI (anarchist party) is strongly in favour of the revolution and will defend it against all opposed to it. Left Communism: The POUM are Trotskyite communists. A sort of halfway between the Anarcho-Syndicalism of the FAI and the mainstream Marxist-Leninism of much of the PCE they have ties to both. Currently closer to the FAI due to their shared control in Catalonia and their similar goals and actions in the Spanish Revolution. The PCE (Spanish Stalinists) and Stalin are not close to them, however, believing that the POUM (left-communists) are their enemies. Stalinists: The PCE are Stalin-esque communists. Supported by Stalin and the USSR politically, they are among the most powerful in the Second Spanish Republican Government, being one of the leaders of the Popular Front. Encouraged towards compromise with the more Bourgeois elements of the republic against the Anarchists and POUM by Stalin and their leadership, they are opposed to the revolution. While anti-fascist, they consider the POUM (left-communist party and paramilitary) and FAI (Anarchist Party and Paramilitary) equal threats to Spain as the Falange. They are particularly popular in Madrid and other Castilian cities. Aragon also has substantial support for them. Socialists: The PSOE is a more moderate communist party. Traditionally following Orthodox, though less Vanguardfocused than most, Marxist-Leninism, they have became more liberal in recent years. Currently the majority of their members, though Caballero and much of the UGT still believe in the Vanguard, believe in a synthesis between socialism and democracy in which a republican government oversees the socialized means of production. Their idea of democratic socialism is substantially further left than that of the Republican Left, though it s similar enough that their policies have been in sync so far under the Popular Front. They are popular throughout Castille and Andalusia and get along well with the Radical Front, are fine with the PCE (Stalinists) and FAI (anarchists), but have some conflict with the UGT due to politics. The UGT (communist trade union) while technically being a subordinate to the PSOE (moderate socialist party), is much more radical than the Party Establishment. Following the party's historical variation of Marxist- Leninism, they are closer to the PCE (Stalinist party) than the current PSOE leadership. Getting along quite well with the PCE, they are strongly against the FAI (Anarcho-Syndicalists) and POUM (Trotskyites). Republicans: Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 8

10 The Republican Left is the current party in power. Social-Democrats they believe in a degree, to be decided on by the elected Republican Government, of socialization, combined with a Republican government. Very close to the PSOE they get along well with the PCE (Stalinists). Currently, relations between the Republican Left and the POUM (left-communists) and FAI (anarchists) are strained, given the focus of the POUM and FAI on the Spanish Revolution. They have no problems ideologically with the POUM and FAI, however, and they will pick collaboration over conflict as of now. The Republican Left also has roots in the Galician Autonomists; consequently, they re in favour of greater autonomy to the nations of Catalonia, Basque Country, and Galicia. Basque Country: The PNV (Partido Nacionalista Vasco) is the Basque Nationalist Party. Believing in independence or autonomy they are strongly against the Falange and other fascist groups. While conservative politically they ve formed an alliance with the left against the fascists and in favour of autonomy. They are closest to the RL and have serious concerns about the other parties in the Popular Front. Catalonia: The EC (Estat Catalunya) is a Catalonian Leftist political party, paramilitary, and independence group. Strongly in favour of Far Left economics and regionalism, currently proposing a federal republic, they are close with the FAI (anarchists) and POUM (left-communists), both being strongly Catalonian leftist groups but have problems with the PCE (Stalinists) and PSOE (Social-Democrats). Military Contact with much of the military has been cut off, we must presume those we do not have contact with are engaged in the coup. Roughly one half have remained loyal, however. The Second Republic controls most of the country. Morocco and Galicia are both out of contact, however. Morocco has been confirmed as the base of the coup, no news is available on Galicia, however. There is also unconfirmed news of the Seville Garrison taking up arms against the city government. Fascist militias still occupy some neighbourhoods of Madrid and are engaged in conflict with Loyalist forces. The Loyalists are winning and the last few pockets should be cleared by the 20th. In Catalonia the FAI (anarchists), EC (regionalists), and POUM (left-communists) have paramilitaries engaged in keeping order and the Revolution alive. The UGT also have small paramilitaries active in Castille and Andalusia. Other, much smaller, POUM and FAI paramilitaries are active in the rest of Spain. We also are lacking armoured units, airforce, and navy. The majority of our troops being armed with Great War and Rif War excess. Economic The Spanish Economy is currently recovering from the depression. Catalonia is doing the best following the success of collectivization but the rest of Spain is fairly productive at the moment as well. Madrid, Valencia, and Catalonia are the hotspots for production. Industrial production is mostly focused on civilian goods, however. Most of the weapons utilized by our army were made in the USA, Britain, or France. The majority of weapons are also out of date, being excess from the Rif War or the Great War sold cheap. We lack the facilities to mass produce weapons, armour, or planes at this point. Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 9

11 International Situation Map of Europe, 1936 Soviet Union: The USSR is currently engaged in a period of internal growth. Stalin, having recently came to power, is consolidating the regime and removing enemies of the revolution from positions of power, purging the military of his and of the people s enemies. The Comintern affiliated parties in Spain view Stalin as a leader of communists worldwide and are likely to receive support from the USSR; however, given the many Trotskyite and anarchist groups many of whom are doubtful of Stalin the USSR is not certain in their commitment to the Spanish Left. It is likely they will provide support; nonetheless, how much and their caveats for the support are yet to be seen. Germany and Italy: Since1936, Italy has been under fascist rule. In 1933, Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler joined Italy in a fascist bloc. Both of these states are doing quite well at this time, Germany having re-militarized the Rhineland mere months ago. The Falange has many ties to these countries, mostly to Italy. It is almost certain that Italy will provide economic and diplomatic support to the coup, with other forms of support being very possible. Germany will also most likely provide diplomatic support to the Falange. Economic support from Germany is also likely, though they are more focused on their remilitarization and expansion in Eastern Europe; however, it is possible that they may use the conflict as a training ground should the conflict stretch for long enough. France and Britain: It is difficult, at this time, to discern the attitude of France and Britain to the Spanish conflict, especially in France due to political instability in the 3rd Republic. However, it is possible to receive a general understanding of possible future actions of both France and Britain through study of their current governmental priorities Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 10

12 along with previous attitudes to foreign intervention. Britain s government, at current the right-wing Conservatives headed by Neville Chamberlain, will favour the Nationalists, albeit perhaps not directly. The British government and populace as a whole is anti-communist with Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, and Admiral Lord Chatfield, British First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy having exceptionally strong anti-leftist beliefs. However, it is unlikely that Britain would intervene in Spain. Firstly, last major British foreign intervention, that in Russia, was massively unpopular with the general public, and did not aid at all, in the end, the White Russian forces this would make a new intervention exceedingly difficult to justify to the British people. In addition, Neville Chamberlain, the British prime minister, has made a focus of his administration the prevention of another great conflict in Europe, and will attempt to put forth as strong as a movement as possible on the international stage towards non-intervention. France, however, is an interesting case. The Popular Front, a combination of centrist and left-wing parties, including communists and socialists, is currently in power, having been creating after the 1934 riots in response to an attempted right wing coup. However, it is a weak coalition, governing a nation with armed forces shaken by the Great War and a stagnating economy. With the increasing militaristic rhetoric from both Mussolini s Italy and Hitler s Germany, and a divided populace, it is doubtful they will intervene. Léon Blum, the current Prime Minister, a socialist, will presumably seek to support the Popular Front, at least diplomatically and through trade; however, the less radical members of his government as well as Chamberlain may sway him elsewise. International Brigades: While nations such as France and Britain may espouse neutrality, and across the sea other governments may not bother to express an opinion at all, there is no denying the great pull of Leftism and the great amount of organizations devoted to its spread and the war against fascism. From India to Ireland there may be general men and women seeking to join the Republican cause - for Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité. Personal Portfolios Confederacion Nationale de Trabajors: The CNT is a collection of trade unions and paramilitaries, as well as political parties which are Anarchist in nature. In power in Catalonia stretching as far south as Valencia, they control the majority of the Loyalist production and economy. Federación Anarquista Ibérica: The FAI is the most powerful, and among the most radical, of the member groups of the CNT. Based in Catalonia they control the Paramilitaries of their organization, the largest of all paramilitary groups. Arguably the strongest Republican Faction but also very regionally based as well as lacking foreign allies. Federica Montseny: Minister of Health Willing to collaborate with liberal elements to defeat the fascists Diego Abad de Santillán Minister of Economy (of Catalonia) Very anti-stalinist and anti-communist (note, he has a soft spot for the POUM) Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 11

13 Manuel Buenacasa Tomeo Chairman of the CNT Controls the unions over spain, can organize strikes and recruit for the paramilitaries Very influential with proletariat Juan García Oliver Leader of FAI Willing to compromise to defeat Franco Very much in support of paramilitary actions Controls FAI paramilitaries Buenaventura Durruti Important military leader - no official position Represents the very radical anarchists Controls a segment of the paramilitaries which are basically terrorists No compromise Syndicalist Party A more moderate Syndicalist group. Leaving the CNT due to the growing FAI influence they push for cooperation and collaboration going as far as compromise with the liberal and bourgeoisie elements of Spain. Ángel Pestaña Leader of syndicalist party Influential figure with lower middle class Popular Front The Popular Front is a coalition of political parties which currently are in control in Spain following the january elections. The Popular Front includes the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), Communist Party of Spain (PCE), the Workers' Party of Marxist Unification (POUM) and the republicans: Republican Left (IR), and Republican Union Party (UR). This coalition was supported by Galician (PG) and Catalan nationalists (ERC), the Workers' General Union (UGT), and the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT). The Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista: The Partido Obrero de Unificación Marxista (POUM) is a Trotskyite Communist Party. At odds with the PCE they are strongest in Catalonia, getting along well with the CNT-FAI. Sceptical of the Popular Front they may break from it should the POUM policies not be passed. Closely allied with the Generalitat and FAI they run much of the production in and around Barcelona. Andrés Nin Minister of Justice (of Catalonia) Leader of POUM Trotskyite At odds with Stalin Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 12

14 Close to the FAI and Generalitat Julián Gorkin Strongly against Stalin and the PCE Trotskyite Good relations with the FAI and Generalitat Partido Communista de España: The Partido Communista de España(PCE) is an influential and important member of the Popular Front Government. Stalinist in nature they are the main connection with the USSR and are strongly supported by the Russians. They hate the more liberal communists, the POUM, but are currently willing to compromise with them, that may change, however as was seen in the Bilbao attacks. They are against a full revolution at the time, instead preferring to focus on the war. Dolores Ibárruri Member of the central committee of the PCE Leader of the Basque Branch Founded Mujeres Antifascistas Leads PCE in the house José Díaz General Secretary of the PCE Plays UGT and CNT against eachother. Stalinist In control of PCE paramilitaries Juan Astigarrabía Communist Strained relations with Díaz and rest of PCE Basque independence Partido Socialista Obero Español: The PSOE is a Spanish Political Party formed in Based on the mission of defending the interests of the working class it seeks to utilize socialism to complete it s goals. Believing in a dictatorship of the proletariat while the means of production are socialized and the capitalist system is destroyed they follow Orthodox Marxism. Only the UGT and the followers of Caballero still follow this radical belief system, however. Indaecio Prieto, the party head, is in favour of a compromise system combining elements of republicanism and socialism in a mostly non-violent process. Meanwhile, Julián Besteiro is leading a more moderate branch of it which is against the radical change and radical leftism the PSOE originally stood for. Indalecio Prieto Head of the PSOE Democratic Communist Julián Besteiro Leader of moderate wing of PSOE Social Democracy Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 13

15 Juan Negrín Minister of finance Supported by stalin Anastasio de Gracia Minister of Labour and Welfare Supported by Stalin Uníon General de Trabajadores The UGT is a trade union associated with the PSOE. With more than a million members it is the largest Union and is the most powerful outside of Catalonia. Francisco Largo Caballero Leader of the UGT Wants to be the Second Lenin Against collaboration with the Republican Government, for now Hates Prieto Republican Left Party The Republican Left was formed as a fusion of Azaña s Acción Republicana with the Radical Socialist Republican Party, led by Marcelino Domingo, and the Organización Republicana Gallega Autónoma (ORGA) of Santiago Casares Quiroga. They are the leader of the government and the force of power in Madrid. They believe in Democratic Socialism and are happy to work with Communists and Anarchists. Manuel Azaña President of the Republic Middle-class Republican Anti-fascist May remove and/or add any member of the committee to a federal cabinet position Santiago Casares y Quiroga Prime Minister Galician Autonomist Against arming leftist paramilitaries Diego Martínez Barrio Speaker of the house Leader of RLP Regionalist Parties Estat Català The Estat Català is a Catalonian political party and paramilitary group in favour of Catalonian independence. Strongly left they generally get along with the FAI and POUM but less so with the UGT and Republicans. They did support the Popular Front in the February elections, however. Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 14

16 Josep Dencàs i Puigdollers Leader of Estat Català Strongly in favour of Catalonian independence, not too happy with Generalitat Controls EC paramilitaries Leftist, close to the communists and anarchists. Basque Nationalist Party The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) is a party in favour of Basque Nationalism, and independence. Moderate in political views they strongly dislike the fascists and are in favour of a federal republic with strong member states. José Antonio Aguirre PNV head Influential in Basque society and government In control of PNV paramilitaries Has power to call for referendum on Basque federality Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 15

17 References Brenan, Gerald. The Spanish Labyrinth: An Account of the Social and Political Background of the Civil War. Cambridge,: U, Print. By the Time the Pilots of Hitler's Condor Legion Reduced the Basque's Holy City of. "The Spanish Civil War: An Overview--by Cary Nelson." The Spanish Civil War: An Overview--by Cary Nelson. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct "Spanish Civil War ( ) - History of Spain Don Quijote." DonQuijote. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct "Spanish Civil War." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 16 Oct "The Spanish Civil War." The Spanish Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct "Spanish Civil War." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Oct Thomas, Hugh. The Spanish Civil War. New York: Harper & Row, Print. Spanish Civil War of 1936 VMUN 2017 Background Guide 16