The Republican Army in the Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939

A military history of the Spanish Civil War focussing on the challenges faced by the Republican Army.

Michael Alpert (Author)

9781108462310, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 June 2018

392 pages
23 x 15.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.59 kg

'Originally published in Spanish in 1977 and revised in 2007, this excellent work is finally available in English. Prof Alpert (emeritus Westminster) gives us a comprehensive, sympathetic, but by no means uncritical look at a surprisingly effective 'improvised' army. … an essential read for anyone interested in the Spanish Civil War or the improvisation of military armies.' StrategyPage (www.strategypage.com)

This is a long-awaited translation of a definitive account of the Republican Army in the Spanish Civil War. Michael Alpert examines the origins, formation and performance of the Republican Army and sets the Spanish Civil War in its broader military context. He explores the conflicts between communists and Spanish anarchists about how the war should be fought, as well as the experience of individual conscripts, problems of food, clothing and arms, and the role of women in the new army. The book contains extensive discussion of international aspects, particularly the role of the International Brigades and of the Soviet Russian advisers. Finally, it discusses the final uprising of professional Republican officers against the Government and the almost unconditional surrender to Franco. Professor Alpert also provides detailed statistics for the military forces available to Franco and to the Republic, and biographies of the key figures on both sides.

Prologue
1. The Spanish Army in 1936
2. Military and paramilitary forces in Spain on 18 July 1936
3. The militia months: July–December 1936
4. Militarisation
5. Professional officers in the Republican Army
6. A new officer corps
7. The experience of individuals
8. The political commissars
9. The communists, the anarchists and the Republican Army
10. International aspects
11. Reorganisation
12. The Casado uprising
Conclusions
Appendices
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Spanish Civil War [HBWP], Military history [HBW]