14. The Spanish Civil War and Second Republic (1936-1939)
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was a pivotal conflict that led to the violent end of Spain’s fragile Second Republic. The war erupted after a military uprising against the democratically elected government, leading to a brutal civil war between the Republicans and Nationalists (history.com). The Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, received support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, while the Republicans were backed by the Soviet Union and international brigades. The war resulted in approximately 500,000 deaths and widespread social upheaval, culminating in Franco’s dictatorship that lasted until 1975.
