The Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War was one of the pivotal events of the twentieth century. For many it was the prelude to the Second World War, for others the'last great cause'where the prevailing ideologies of the time clashed in mortal combat. The complex nature of the issues and participants has led modern histories to speak of a'series of Spanish wars'rather than the bi-polar'two Spains'. Consequently, the Civil War has generated a massive, often controversial, historiography, and interest in the war has not abated.Rather than just another introductory history, Andy Durgan provides a clear overview and critical evaluation of the key debates and recent published research on the origins, outbreak, course and implications of the Spanish Civil War. Durgan covers:- the causes of the war- the course of the conflict itself- the impact of foreign powers and the internationalism of the war- the socio-political situation in the opposing zones- the reasons for Republican failure and Nationalist success- the nature of the emerging Franco regime.Featuring a helpful Chronology, maps and a Select Bibliography to aid study, this is an essential guide for anyone with an interest in one of the most terrible conflicts of modern times.