B4. Overture to World Conflict: The Spanish Civil War

The course examines the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) and its relationship to the brewing world conflict. It begins by reviewing Spanish internal conflicts, the emergence of the Spanish Second Republic, the generals’ revolt of 1936 along with the involvement of foreign influence both by the western democracies and the European fascist powers and the part played by American and European writers and journalists. It concludes with a study of the Republican defeat and the nature of the resultant Franco regime which followed.

James Powers is Professor Emeritus of History at Holy Cross.  His research centers on Medieval Spain.  In addition he taught courses on Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Europe.  He has taught a number of WISE courses.

OPTIONAL BOOKS: 

The Spanish Civil War: Revised Edition (Modern Library War), Hugh Thomas, ISBN: 978-0375755156. 

The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution, and Revenge (Revised and Expanded Edition), Paul Preston, ISBN: 978-0393329872. The Spanish Civil War: A Very Short Introduction, (1st Edition), Helen Graham, ISBN: 978-0192803771.

The Spanish Labyrinth: An Account of the Social and Political Background of the Spanish Civil War, 2nd Ed., Gerald Brenan, ISBN: 978-0521091077.