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Sofia Haskel 4 November 2019 Abstract X – The Victorious Counterrevolution American historian Michael Seidman outlines the Spanish Civil War from a new perspective, one that focuses on the nationalist victory and analyzes the many causes. He employs a wide timeline, starting from the downfall of the second republic and ending with the results of the war but also including a glimpse of Spain’s economic future under Franco. The use of comparison is evident in this book, and Seidman justifies its importance in his introduction before using it generously in The Victorious Counterrevolution. Unlike most other historians, Seidman credits Franco’s victory less with German and Italian aid and more with their economic advantage. He specifically gives the animals and food supply attention, mentioning the mules’ “least celebrated but most critical role” in the war (p.96). The way both sides financed the war also affected their military strength. While the republic ate up its gold reserves, the nationalists taxed their constituents for a steady flow of income. Franco also nourished his soldiers’ morale substantially, through means of letters from women, movies, tobacco, and more. The use of pro-Catholic propaganda and the church’s support reigned in loyalty from both inside and outside of Spain. Unfortunately, this included the use of anti-Jewish propaganda which propelled support from Hitler and Mussolini. In general, Seidman believes fascism’s victory is due to the system itself – Franco’s tight, controlling reign allowed for the unwavering pay of soldiers and workers, gave property rights to landowners, and allowed for the economy to sustain itself during the war. The author’s perspective is clearly enthusiastic for the rebels, evident through his praise of their strategies and organization. The book provides plenty of valuable details and history of

the war, but one must watch for his bias when determining one’s own opinion on the reasons for the nationalist victory.

Questions: 1. What were both sides lacking in terms of supplies, considering that the republic was in control of more urban areas and the nationalists had more agricultural areas? 2. Could the outcome of the war have been different if the republic had stopped fighting once a nationalist victory was clear? 3. Why does Seidman’s perspective differ from most other historians’ who cover the war, and does this weaken or strengthen his writing?...