The Female participation in the Spanish Civil War

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The female role in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

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By: Rocío Belén Quispe Veizaga

INDEX

The Spanish Civil War

Female participation in the Civil War:

-In the Republican Zone

-In the Rebellious Zone

Importance and Legacy

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The Spanish Civil War was a military conflict that took place in Spain between 1936 and 1939. It pitted two sides against each other:-The rebellious side: Made up of the military, landowners, the Catholic Church, some sectors of the right and monarchists, led by General Francisco Franco. They defended an authoritarian and conservative state model. -The republican side: Formed by the legitimate government of the Second Republic, composed of socialists, communists, anarchists, left-wing republicans and some regionalists, as well as various worker and peasant groups. They defended democracy, freedom and social reforms. The causes of the conflict were the social, political and ideological tensions in Spain that had been accumulating for decades. The Second Republic, established in 1931, attempted to carry out social and political reforms that met with strong opposition from the most conservative sectors of society.

THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR (1936-1939)

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In the Republican Zone

The Spanish Civil War was a turning point in the history of women in Spain, especially in the republican area. Unlike the rebellious side, in the republican territory women mobilized massively and actively on various fronts, challenging pre-established gender roles and paving the way towards greater equality.

Militias: Thousands of women joined the popular militias at the beginning of the war, taking up arms and fighting on the front lines alongside the men. It is estimated that some 7,000 women fought on the front, highlighting figures such as Líster Forján, Dolores Ibárruri "La Pasionaria" or Carmen de Burgos "Concha Espina".Snipers: The women demonstrated great skill in shooting, becoming expert snipers. Among the most famous are Consuelo "La Pepa" Navales and María "La Mari Pepa" Nito.Pilots: Although in smaller numbers, there were also women piloting planes for the Republican army, such as Conchita Pérez and María García Granados.

Unlike the republican zone, where women played a leading role in all areas of the war, in the rebel zone their participation was mainly framed in traditional roles, aligned with the national side's vision of the role of women in the war. society.

Female roles in the rebel zone:Social Assistance: The Women's Section of the Spanish Falange, created in 1936, was the organization in charge of mobilizing and channeling female participation in the rear. The women of the Women's Section were dedicated to various tasks, such as:Social assistance: Distribution of food, clothing and medicine to those most in need, especially to the families of combatants on the national side.Health care: Collaboration in hospitals and first aid stations.Educational tasks: Literacy and indoctrination of the population, especially children and young people.Propaganda: Dissemination of the ideals of the national side through talks, rallies and publications.Nurses: Women also played an important role in caring for the wounded at the front and in the rear.Volunteers: Thousands of women volunteered with various charitable and religious organizations to support the war effort.

In The Rebellious Zone

soldiers

Importance and Legacy

Relevant figures:

The participation of women in the Spanish Civil War was an unprecedented phenomenon in the country's history. Their courage, commitment and sacrifice were fundamental to sustain the fight against fascism and laid the foundations for the future feminist movement in Spain. Despite the final defeat of the Republic, the experience of war profoundly transformed women's lives, opening up new opportunities and challenging traditional patriarchal structures.

Líster Forján: Militia and guerrilla fighter, considered one of the most emblematic women of the Spanish Civil War.Dolores Ibárruri "La Pasionaria": Leader of the Spanish Communist Party and key figure in republican propaganda.Carmen de Burgos "Concha Espina": Writer and journalist who joined the militias and participated in the defense of Madrid.Consuelo "La Pepa" Navales: Sniper recognized for her precision and bravery.

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Phases of the war: 1936-1937: The rebellious side advanced rapidly, occupying a large part of Spanish territory. However, they encountered strong resistance in Madrid, where a crucial battle was fought. 1938: The war stagnated on several fronts. The rebellious side intensified the bombing of cities such as Barcelona and Gernika. 1939: The rebel side, with the support of Nazi Germany, launched a final offensive that culminated in the taking of Madrid on March 28, 1939. The war ended with the victory of the rebel side and the establishment of the Franco dictatorship, which would last until 1975.

Beyond the front:Free Women: This anarchist organization played a crucial role in the mobilization and empowerment of women during the war. They promoted measures such as the creation of daycare centers, soup kitchens and collective workshops, in addition to defending gender equality and the sexual autonomy of women. Healthcare: Thousands of women worked as nurses, ambulance workers and volunteers in hospitals and first aid posts, caring for the wounded and sick both at the front and in the rear. Industry and agriculture: Women also massively joined work in factories and in the countryside, replacing the men who had gone to fight. Their work was essential to sustain industrial and food production during the war. Propaganda and culture: Women also actively participated in the production of propaganda, creating posters, pamphlets and works of art that encouraged resistance and defended the republican cause.

Characteristics of female participation:Control and surveillance: Female participation in the rebellious area was subject to strict control by the authorities. The aim was for women to fulfill the traditional roles assigned by the Franco regime, reinforcing the image of women as self-sacrificing mothers and devoted wives.Propaganda: The image of women in the propaganda of the national side was idealized and romanticized. She was presented as a fundamental pillar of the family and society, in charge of taking care of the home and children while the men fought on the front.Repression: Women who did not conform to the roles established by the Franco regime could be victims of repression. There were cases of women imprisoned, tortured and even executed for their political activism or for being considered "red."