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Republican side
Republican side at that time is best described as having a lack of unity and discipline. In September 1936, Francisco Largo Caballero formed a coalition government in Valencia to unify the republic and lead the disorganised army. Communists were the most divided group:
-Pro-Trotsky, marxist POUM anarchists from the CNT and FAI believed that the war made it possible to start a revolution.
-PCE, were pro-Stalinist, believed that victory was the most important thing. PCE and PSUC joined together. -
Nationalist side
In September 1936, rebel leaders appointed General Franco supreme commander of the Nationalists forces, and "Head of the Spanish State". Franco was the strongest candidate since he had the support of the monarchists and a good relationship with Hitler and Mussolini. on 18 November 1936, Germany and Italy recognised Franco´s government. -
Republican side
In May 1937, two sides confronted each other in Barcelona. Barcelona May Days brought about the fall of Largo Caballero. Juan Negrín was named president of the new government. From then on, the slogan was "resist to win", -
Nationalist side
In April 1937, Franco ordered the amalgamation of the rightist political groups into one party known as "Movimiento Nacional" with himself as Caudillo. A one-party state was established. On 1 June 1937, Spanish bishops publicly endorsed the Movimiento Nacional. -
Republican side
In October 1938 the International Brigades were dimissed as a consequence of Stalin´s friendship with Germany. -
Nationalist side
In March 1939, Franco´s government was recognised by France and Britain. The Vatican followed suit. National Catholicism, the ideological identity of Francoism, was established.
