The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards — WJEC A-Level Spanish

The topic 'The Two Spains: 1936 Onwards' explores the deep ideological and social divisions that led to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and their enduring legacy under Franco's dictatorship and beyond. It examines the clash between the Republican side (supporting democracy, regional autonomy, and secularism) and the Nationalist side (backing traditionalism, centralism, and Catholicism). This division, known as 'las dos Españas', had roots in the 19th century but erupted violently in 1936, shaping modern Spanish identity and politics.

Understanding this topic is crucial for A-Level students as it provides insight into how civil conflict can arise from unresolved tensions, and how a dictatorship can impose a single narrative while suppressing alternative memories. The legacy of the Civil War continues to influence Spanish politics today, with debates over historical memory and the exhumation of Franco's remains. By studying this period, students gain a deeper appreciation of Spain's transition to democracy and the challenges of reconciling a divided past.

This topic fits within the WJEC A-Level Spanish specification as part of the study of historical and cultural contexts. It connects to themes of power, ideology, and identity, and requires analysis of primary sources such as propaganda posters, speeches, and memoirs. Students must evaluate different interpretations of the war and its aftermath, developing critical thinking skills essential for exam success.

• →Las dos Españas: The idea of a permanently divided Spain between traditionalist, Catholic, centralist forces (Nationalists) and progressive, secular, regionalist forces (Republicans).
• →The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): A military coup led by Franco against the democratically elected Republican government, resulting in a three-year war with international involvement (e.g., German and Italian support for Nationalists, Soviet aid for Republicans).
• →Franco's dictatorship (1939-1975): A repressive regime that suppressed regional identities, banned political parties, and enforced National Catholic ideology, while using censorship and propaganda to control historical memory.
• →Historical memory: The ongoing debate in Spain about how to remember the Civil War and Francoism, including the exhumation of mass graves and the 2007 Law of Historical Memory.
• →Transition to democracy (1975-1978): The process after Franco's death that led to a democratic constitution, but which involved a 'pact of forgetting' (pacto del olvido) to avoid reopening old wounds.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the historical period 1936 onwards
• Analyze the political, intellectual, and artistic culture of the era
• Evaluate the impact of the Civil War and Francoism on modern Spain
• Discuss the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica' and its significance
• Use accurate grammar and a range of vocabulary in spoken and written responses
• Provide critical and analytical responses to the themes

• 💡Use authentic sources to research the theme
• 💡Practice critical and analytical writing skills
• 💡Ensure you can discuss the theme in both spoken and written formats
• 💡Focus on the 'Recuperación de la memoria histórica' as a key contemporary issue
• 💡Use the prescribed literary works and films to support your understanding of the historical context
• 💡Use specific examples: When discussing divisions, refer to concrete events like the 1934 Revolution in Asturias or the bombing of Guernica. For the dictatorship, mention the Ley de Responsabilidades Políticas (1939) or the role of the Sección Femenina. Specificity shows depth of knowledge.
• 💡Analyse sources critically: In the exam, you may be given a source (e.g., a Francoist propaganda poster). Don't just describe it; evaluate its purpose, audience, and reliability. Consider what it omits and how it reflects the 'two Spains' narrative.
• 💡Link to the present: Show awareness of how the Civil War and Francoism still resonate today. For example, refer to the 2019 exhumation of Franco from the Valley of the Fallen or current debates about removing Francoist street names. This demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic's relevance.

• Relying on pre-learnt material rather than spontaneous interaction
• Failing to address the specific question asked in the stimulus
• Lack of critical analysis in written responses
• Inaccurate use of complex grammatical structures like the subjunctive
• Poor time management during the exam
• Misconception: The Spanish Civil War was simply a fight between fascism and communism. Correction: While ideology played a role, the war was also about regional nationalism (e.g., Basque and Catalan demands), social class conflict, and the role of the Church. Both sides were coalitions: the Nationalists included monarchists, Carlists, and Falangists; the Republicans included anarchists, socialists, and communists.
• Misconception: Franco's regime was uniformly supported by all Spaniards. Correction: While Franco had significant support, especially from the middle classes and rural areas, many Spaniards opposed him. Repression was widespread, with an estimated 100,000-200,000 executions after the war. The regime maintained power through fear and censorship, not popular consent.
• Misconception: The transition to democracy was a clean break from Francoism. Correction: The transition involved compromises, such as the 1977 Amnesty Law that pardoned crimes from the Franco era. Many institutions, including the judiciary and police, retained Francoist personnel. The 'pact of forgetting' meant that victims of the dictatorship were not officially recognised until much later.