This extraordinary event continues to exert a particular fascination. An ultra-conservative military coup attempts to overthrow the democratically elected government of Spain. Other fascist forces join in, eager to rehearse the use of their new weaponry and approaches to "modern" warfare. This conflict is often seen as a dress rehearsal for the Second World War. In response to this, thousands of volunteers, from around the world, joined the fight on the side of the Republic, determined to stop fascism developing further. The Spanish Civil War is then, the very stuff of legend. We shall especially be looking at the ideologies driving the forces, on both sides. On one side, a fight against fascism, or a revolution, Which was more important ? How did it happen that largely Stalinist communists fought against syndicalist communists, and against anarchists? Surely, they were all on the same side? What would all of this mean for the creation of a "modern" Spain? Whose Spain?
Course aim
To look at events leading up to the Spanish Civil War of 1936 - 1939; what happened during the fighting, and importantly, how Franco used history as propaganda to lay blame upon the Republican government and portray himself as the saviour of Spain.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- understand and analyse the events studied
- see how the fascist forces were able to claim victory, and how Franco was able to rule Spain for the next 36 years.
- understand more clearly the divisions that arose on the left during the conflict
- discuss, with confidence, the issues raised.
What else do I need to know?
No prior skills or knowledge are required....... suggestions will be made for some pre-course reading. The most important thing to bring is an open and enquiring mind! The tutor may make some controversial statements in order to stimulate debate !!!
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