The Defense of Madrid: Evacuation
Learn about Madrid under siege after the failed coup in July 1936, through the world of posters.
The Spanish Civil War
On July 17, 1936, a large section of the Spanish army attempted a coup d'état against the Republican government, which had held power since April 1931. The failed coup triggered a civil war that lasted for three years, until April 1, 1939.
Evacuate Madrid (Circa 1936) by CañavatePablo Iglesias Foundation
Posters in the civil war
Posters were the main propaganda tool during the Spanish Civil War, in a world in which television did not yet exist, and radios were still not widespread. Posters were a form of popular art and could reach an entire population, expressing feelings and ideas in a way that no other medium could.
Their initial purpose as a means of advertising paved the way for their use by the authorities to disseminate political and military ideas, and to convey their ideals of justice and liberty. Join us as we explore how this was done.
The Defense of Madrid: Evacuation
From the earliest days of the war, the civilian population was forced to move to safer areas, with many taking refuge in Madrid.
Comrades. If the sustenance of our brave soldiers... (Circa 1937) by Emilio FerreraPablo Iglesias Foundation
As the battles around the capital drew ever closer, the Republican authorities' main concern was evacuation. This became obligatory after January 1937, with the exception of men aged between 20 and 45, and those who had a role in the war.
Help Madrid... (Circa 1937) by Cabana and ContrerasPablo Iglesias Foundation
In January 1937, the Republican government launched its Help Madrid campaign (Ayuda a Madrid), aimed at the rest of Spain.
Evacuate Madrid... (Circa 1937) by J. BrionesPablo Iglesias Foundation
However, fear of being shelled, of losing their belongings, and of how they would survive wherever they ended up slowed down the much-needed evacuations. Not only that: once it became clear that the war was not going to be short-lived, many evacuees returned to their homes.
The Evacuation Committee (Comité de Evacuación), and later the Central Office for Evacuation and Refugee Aid (Oficina Central de Evacuación y Asistencia al Refugiado), began the evacuation to children's camps in places that were far away from the fronts. These included coastal areas around Valencia and Alicante; the Aragon and Catalonia regions; and other places overseas.
Fascist aviation... (Circa 1937) by UnknownPablo Iglesias Foundation
Madrid was subject to fascist air raids from the beginning of the siege. The entire city came under attack—not just positions on the front—meaning the civilian population was also affected.
Woman, who is to blame for this?... (Circa 1937) by UnknownPablo Iglesias Foundation
From late August, the nationalist Condor Legion (Legión Cóndor) bombed the city using German JU-52 aircraft (nicknamed pavas, or turkeys), with particular intensity between November and December. Bombs weighing 440 pounds (200 kg), many of them incendiary devices, were capable of destroying Madrid's buildings in a single strike.
Madrid. The "military" practice... (Circa 1937) by UnknownPablo Iglesias Foundation
Infant mortality increased during the civil war, rising to 18,000 more deaths than were usually expected. In addition, between 1936 and 1939 there were 395,000 fewer births than there would ordinarily have been.
Woman, who is to blame for this?... (Circa 1937) by UnknownPablo Iglesias Foundation
The evacuation of children was a priority, since they were not useful to the war effort, were not receiving an adequate education, and were more severely affected by the widespread shortages.
Evacuate Madrid... (1937) by PedreroPablo Iglesias Foundation
Until late 1938, the Evacuation Delegation (Delegación de Evacuación) ran a press and radio campaign to try to convince the civilian population that it was vital for them leave Madrid for places not affected by the war, for their own safety.
Don't let your family live through the drama of war... (Circa 1937) by GirónPablo Iglesias Foundation
As Madrid strengthened its defenses and it became apparent, in November, that the rebel forces were not going to take the city as quickly as anticipated, people's desire to leave the city began to dissipate. This became a major problem for the Madrid Defense Council (Junta de Defensa).
Evacuate Madrid (Circa 1936) by CañavatePablo Iglesias Foundation
Workers: if you want,... (Circa 1937) by CantosPablo Iglesias Foundation
Want to know more?
Read more about the Defense of Madrid:
The Defense of Madrid: They Shall Not Pass and Under a Single Command.
