ABSTRACT
Massive political mobilization of the population took place during the Spanish Civil War. Both governments attempted to appeal to all levels of Spanish society and to influence foreign opinion, in the hope of securing ever-greater support, and this chapter outlines the competing visions of Spanish society and culture publicized during the war by Nationalists and different forces within the Republican camp. The rival campaigns were conducted with the help of experience amassed during the First World War, the Russian Civil War and twenty years of divisive mass politics in Spain and in the rest of Europe. They attracted the intellectual support of churchmen, writers and artists, all eager to add their clout to the violent debate that accompanied-indeed, helped to mould-the Spanish Civil War. Once victory had been secured what would be the role of religion, education, women and intellectuals in society? What further reforms would be carried out, or existing measures abolished, in order to modernize Spain and provide her with political stability? What would happen to Catalonia and the Basque Country, and to their respective languages?
