The Ebro 1938: Death Knell of the Republic

Osprey Campaign #60

by Chris Henry, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

Osprey's examination of the last major Republican offensive of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The Battle of the Ebro was a vitally important episode in the Spanish conflict and, although ultimately a Republican defeat it proved a severe setback for the Nationalist forces under General Francesco Franco Bahamonde. According to many historians it extended the war for an extra year. Ultimately however it was probably the death knell of the Republic; their armies lost vast amounts of men and materials and they were left incapable of defending their remaining territory effectively. The consequences for Europe were immense.

Genres: History, Military History, Spanish Civil War, World War II, Nonfiction, Spain, Spanish History

96 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 1999

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE EBRO 1938 was the last major Republican offensive of the Spanish Civil War which had started in July 1936. The war "was the culmination of years of distrust between conservative elements in Spanish society and an increasingly aggrieved working class." After centuries of oppression and abuse by those in power, the 'working class' voted for a republic that promised a social change that was sorely needed. The conservative class, fighting change, became known as the Nationalists, and their opponents were the Republicans, some of whom may have worn red hats, but that was because they were Communists and not Republicans. The deciding factor for many people as to whether they were Nationalist or Republican was in whose territory they were in when the fighting started.Hitler and Mussolini both sent support to the Nationalists, under General Franco, in the form of aircraft, tanks, artillery, and even men. Russia, always eager to support other Communists, sent planes, artillery, guns, tanks and staff officers in incognito, in exchange for Spanish gold. Communists in other countries formed The International Brigades to fight in Spain against the Nationalists. Many of these brigade members were not communists but rather just opposed the fascists and Nazis supporting the Nationalists. In addition to the major players were many other factions fighting for power, each with their own objectives. "Franco might have detached the Basques from the republic: instead, his policy of revenge and repression helped fuel the separatist movement that still plagues the Spanish state." Staunchly Catholic, the Basque country had sided with the Republic when promised autonomy.

At the start of the war the Nationalists got the upper hand. In this they were assisted by the Germans whose transport planes ferried the Army of Africa from Morocco to Spain. These seasoned troops won victories over the militias raised by the Republicans to support the government. Franco was not interested in a blitzkrieg but rather a slow and steady advance. "I am not interested in territory, but in inhabitants." He told the Italian ambassador. He would take Spain "Town by town." He wanted to exterminate his enemies. Time was on his side.

In order to relieve pressure on another part of the front, a Republican offensive was planned in great detail with the help of Soviet officers. Too bad for them, most would be killed off in Stalin's purge soon afterwards. The plan was to cross the Ebro River, fighting their way through Nationalist positions, or bypassing them, and to get as far behind enemy lines as possible. The bridging and ferrying of assault troops initially succeeded in spite of Nationalists use of air power and raising the level of the river. Unfortunately, the offense failed when Nationalist troops counterattacked with superior forces.

"The Elbro offensive signalled the beginning of the end for the republic, which generated a new round of infighting between government factions. The spectacle of Negrin's government urging everyone to fight on to the last while the leaders arranged their flights to safety abroad eventually sparked a mutiny. In Madrid, Colonel Casado led a rising against the regime, hoping that Franco might agree to a negotiated settlement. There was a revolt at the naval base of Cartagena, aided by Franco's agents and quashed just ahead of an amphibious landing by National forces."

As a last resort the Republicans hoped for the conference at Munich to at least stop the fighting. What was decided at this conference was that foreign troops were to be withdrawn from Spain. In reality the Spanish people were sold out, just as the Czechs would be in a later conference, when British Prime Minister Chamberlain would claim, "Peace in our time."

Maps and illustrations included.

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is almost not fair to do a review for any Osprey book; they are so cookie cutter perfect and polished that there is honestly little I could criticize. The Campaign Series book on the Ebro battles during the Spanish Civil War is outstanding, and Henry really does a fine job connecting this failure of Republican forces to the overall outcome of the conflict.

The plates and pictures are very nice, and include many rarely seen images of some unusual equipment and troops. The details are well written and accurate, providing a concise yet satisfying read on the topic. I expect my copy will see a great deal of future usage.

[Shane Kiely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the battle though I think the scale’s involved & the breadth of the campaign doesn’t quite lend itself to the shorter format. Does provide good background as to the situation in the war at the time & the strategic reasons for this battle. There’s some presentation stuff I didn’t like, the chronology of the 3D battle maps is a awkward to follow & with them being such centerpieces of previous campaign titles it’s a little disappointing. Relatively minor quibble aside possibly the best (as of 1999, only) detailed English language account of these events.

[Станислав · Rating 3 out of 5]

чтоб землю Гренады Франциско отдать
Мало чего знаю про испанскую гражданскую, кроме мифов. Причём основной объём мифов сложен левыми писателями - сторонниками Республиканцев. Про Франко мало хорошего рассказывают. Эта книга, вместе статьёй Википедии, несколько рассеивают мой туман. Оказалось, что ключевое сражение войны Франко играл от обороны и многое решила политическая составляющая переговоров заинтересованных сторон конфликта. План республиканцев по прорыву на Эбро был лихо построен.

[Al Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay Osprey Title, art is decent, maps aren’t quite that good and coverage on the actual battle after the Republican River crossing is subpar.