yr12_scw_Battles

Battle of Jarama- Summary**= This battle showcased the resolve and training of the Republicans. They were able to defend themselves against Nationalist ground and air attacks and even gained control of the sky for a few days. This shows that the Republicans, far from being an ill equipped and poorly trained force, were actualy a match for Francos forces. However, **the battle was a draw**, as neither side was able to acheieve all of thier objectives.
 * The folowing three battles are examples of Nationalist and Republican victories, with one battle being a draw. All took place during the Spanish Civil War.

On February 11, a Nationalist air and ground attack on the Pingarrón heights was stopped by Republican artillery and air forces. This is proof that the Republicans, far from being ill equipped and poorly trained, were actually an effective fighting force capable of stopping the Nationalists. The Republicans then attempted an attack of thier own, using **Soviet tanks** and the **International Brigades**, but they were driven back by the Nationalist artillery postioned on //La Marañosa// hill. On the 12th, the Nationalists attacked the Pajares heights, which led to fierce fighting between the Nationalists and the 11th International Brigade. On the 27th, the Republicans sent the Abraham Lincoln Brigade was sent to attack the Nationalists, who had by this time established a postion on the Pingarrón heights on the Republican side of the river. The brigade was rippred to shreds by machine gun fire and forced to fall back to Republican lines. Both sides proceeded to dig trenches and static warfare (like in WWI) set in.
 * Details**= (   This battle (   which lasted between the 6 and 28 of February, 1937) was the result of a Nationalist offensive meant to cut off Madrid from the South. It was carried out by Nationalist General Mola. The main objectives of the Nationalists were to take the western bank of the Jarama river and to capture the heights that overlooked it. After that, they were supposed to break through the Republican lines on the high ground to the east of the river and take  the towns of Vaciamadrid and Arganda in order to sever the Madrid—Valencia road. This would cut off the capital to the south and east .      The attack began on February 5, with Franco's African Army steamrolling over the suprised Republicans. They did well, advancing into the Republic lines and capturing //La Marañosa// hill (which overlooked both sides of the river).


 * Results**=Neither side was able to claim victory, as the Nationalists had not cut off Madrid and the Republicans had not pushed the Nationalists from the river. The Republicans lost 25,000 while the Nationalists lost 20,000. Two attacks on Februay 23rd and March 1st by the Nationalists were driven back, which resulted in another 6000 Nationalist casualties.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Jarama#Aftermath http://www.santacruzchronicles.com/scw2.html
 * Links**-

**Summary**=        This battle was the **last major victory for the Republicans**. It showed the how foreign intervention aided both sides (Mussolini sent Italian soldiers to fight for Franco while the International Brigades helped the Republicans push back the Italians.) and how the Republicans were able to push back a stronger, numerically bigger force.
 * The Battle for Guadalajara  **

On March 12, the Republicans troops counter-attacked the Italians.They used **Soviet aircraft and tanks** to break through the Nationalist line. By March 18th the Republic had advanced to the River Tajuña wile the Italians fled back to Nationalist lines.
 * Details **=     The battle began on March 8 and lasted until March 23, 1937. **The Nationalist forces were mainly comprised of Italian soldiers** **given** **to Franco by Mussolini**, and a few Nationalist Spanish Divisions. The Italians were able to gain ground quickly, using their "tankettes" to break through the Republican line and capture the towns of Mirabueno, Alaminos and Castejon. The following day, the Italians captured the towns of Almadrones, Cogollor, Masegoso, but thier attack was stopped due to fierce resistance by the 12th International Brigade. The next day, March 10, the Italians bombarded both the 12th and 11th International Briagdes with artillery fire and air assaults. They procceded to attack the Int. Brigades, but the attack failed. On March 11th, the Italians again attacked the International Brigades. They had some early success, but were stopped outside the town of Torija. This proves that the International Brigades were important parts of the Spanish Army and that the Republic did rely on all of the international aid that it could get.

** Results ** -This battle prevented Franco from encircling Madrid and led to the break up of Italian Army units under Francos command. The Republic lost around 2000 men killed, and 4000 wounded. The Italians lost 2000 men killed, 4000 wounded. 400 were also captured. The Italians also lost large amounts of equipment, such as trucks, artillery and tanks, some of which was captured by the Republic.

** Links ** - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Guadalajara http://www.santacruzchronicles.com/scw2.html **Summary** - **This was a Nationalist victory.** This battle showcased the resolve and training of the disciplined Nationalist Army. The Nationalists used this victory as a springboard from which to launch their invasion of Catalonia. The Nationalists now had control of the Industrial North and the Agricultural South. It showed that the Nationalists were also capable fighters and had the resolve and professional skill to fight for their cause.
 * The Battle of Teruel**

** Details ** -The Republican army, numbering around 100,000 attack began on December 15, 1938, during a snowstorm, without any beforehand artillery strike or aerial attack. By the end of the day the Republicans had the city surrounded. The Nationalist commander in the town, Rey d'Harcourt, moved 4,000 soldiers to defensive positions in the south of town. By December 21, the Republicans were in the town and were using artillery and hand to hand fighitng to gain ground. Franco halted his attack at Guadalajara (the battle mentioned above) and sent reinforcements. They arrived on the 29th and by the 31st they were able to enter the town, under cover of the Condor Legion. Rey d'Harcourt finaly gave up on Janurary 8th. The Republicans proceded to murder Rey, the local Bishop, and most of the prisoners they had captured. On January 17th, 1939, the Nationalists reinforcements began to assault the town. The Republicans sent in the International Brigades on the 19th inorder to relieve the now besieged Republican soldiers. Although the Republicans launched counter attacks on the 25th, the **Nationalists were able to launch a massive cavalry charge** (one of the last calvary charges ever used in a twentieth century war) on February 7th that broke the Republican line. Thousands of Republicans were taken prisoner while the Nationalists captured tons of supplies. The Republicans were totally defeated. The survivors retreated.


 * Results**-The Nationalists lost about 50,000 men, a third of which was due to frostbite caused by the cold and hypothermia, and aircraft crashes. The Republicans suffered around 60,000 losses.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Teruel http://www.santacruzchronicles.com/scw2.html
 * Links**-