The Spanish Civil War lasted from 1936 to 1939 and was a conflict between two opposing forces - the Nationalists who supported a monarchy and the Republicans who supported the Spanish liberal government. The Nationalists, led by Gen. Francisco Franco, rebelled against the Republican government. The war became an international battleground as Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supported the Nationalists while the Soviet Union supported the Republicans. Major battles included the Nationalists taking Malaga in 1937 and Barcelona in 1939, culminating in their victory in March 1939.
2. Spanish Civil War Definition: Civil war in Spain in which Franco succeeded in overthrowing the republican government; during the war Spain became a battleground for fascists and socialists from all countries; 1936-1939 (Miller).
