Rakosi Battalion Wall Newspaper
Discover how the second anniversary of the Defense of Madrid was commemorated in late 1938, while the Battle of the Ebro was being fought.
Trenches... (1938) by UnknownPablo Iglesias Foundation
Wall newspapers were used as a propaganda tool, because they were easy to produce and had a powerful reach.
The Rakosi Battalion was a unit formed almost entirely of Hungarian fighters who belonged to the International Brigades. They fought at the Battle of the Ebro until late September 1938, when they were disbanded and ordered to leave Spain.
This mural was made in November 1938, on the second anniversary of the start of the Defense of Madrid. This mural reveals how the popular militias that defended Madrid evolved into a professional army as the civil war went on.
Second anniversary
"Today marks two years since the invading army's troops took Spain's heroic capital. Back then, the brave militia—worthy successors of the Spanish race—knew how to close the gates of Madrid to the invader with their hearts, honoring the heroes … "
They shall not pass
"At the most difficult of times,
there emerged a sublime figure
who opened up the grave to the fascists
at the gates to Madrid.
He was an eminent defender,
he was Miaja, a great general,
who in our city's history
shall enjoy immortal fame."
November 7 in Madrid and at the River Ebro
"We have fought a hard battle at the Ebro, but our spirit does not waver. Every hour, every day, the harder the battle, the greater our fervor and enthusiasm in defending our cause. However many weapons the enemy may have, we need not be fearful or panic—we are not children."
Two historic dates
"Comrade officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers. Today, on the second anniversary of the Defense of Madrid on the historic date of November 7, 1936, we find ourselves defending, on this most glorious day, the independence of our beloved Spain, on the front line at the Ebro …"
Departure of the International Brigades
"Following a decision by our government, they have marched with tears in their eyes as they leave our land, which is also theirs, for it is indebted to those who have generously shed their blood to save it. We are safe, because they have promised …"
The foreign fighters in the International Brigades had to leave Spain following a decision taken by President Juan Negrín on September 21, 1938.
The Cibeles Fountain
The famous Cibeles Fountain in Madrid was protected from the Francoist aerial bombardments with bricks and sandbags, which prevented any further damage. It had already suffered some damage to the statue's arm, nose, and one of the lions pulling the chariot.
