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The Spanish Civil War began by a military coup on behalf of the Spanish army (including Francisco Franco), backed up by many conservatives. The Republic that had, during 1931 till 1933, tried to separate the state and Church and implement reforms was successful in neither and caused polarized politics amongst devote catholic followers and the agrarian far workers whose needs were not being attended to. The Republic then (during 1933-36) was led in a more conservative manner with the previously proposed reforms being withdrawn and conditions worsened. Spain was fragile. The government tried to reform the army and reduce the amount of higher ranking army positions. Political polarization led to a civil war.

The war was fought from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939 between the Republicans, who were loyal to the established Spanish republic, and the Nationalists, a rebel group led by General Francisco Franco. The Spanish army believed themselves to be the savior of Spain, a nation which was then in much turmoil and they believed it their duty to save their nation from the hands of the Republicans/Communists. The army rebels termed themselves "Nacionales", normally translated as "Nationalists", although the former implies "true Spaniards" rather than a pure nationalistic cause. This (nationalists) side of the war was supported by the Church as they were for the idea of Catholicism in Spanish daily life whereas communism is atheist. It was also given aid from Nazi Germany and Italy, particularly in terms of weaponry. Note: In principle, fascism is different from conservative authoritarianism it is revolutionary and anti-establishment. The government of Franco, despite a few fascist symbols, was a conservative catholic authoritarian regime not a fascist regime. I have therefore not called this side of the war "fascists" but rather "nationalists"

The other side, the Republic, was supported by the anarchists (CNT), communists, socialists, however the anarchists in general also rejected any idea of governmental control, so perhaps it could be said that they fought against the nationalists rather than for the Republic itself. Republicans also received military aid, but this time from the Soviet Union. Mass executions happened on both sides. The Nationalists prevailed and Franco would rule Spain for the next 36 years.

So, the war was fought (in a very general wording) between right and left wing politics; the army and its supporters and the Republic and their own supporters.

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Q: What were the sides in the spanish civil war?
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