Entry #4: Armies and Militia
Like OTL, the Anarchist militias manage to take over the Island of Iziba and establish a beach head on Majorca. IOTL, the militias, in spite of having artillery and air support failed to press their advantage and were kicked off. ITTL, lead by Makhnovist veteran Peter Arshinov, the anarchists press their advantage and secure Majorca before the end of August. They also manage to secure Formentera. Anarchy is introduced to the islands in the same manner the Makhnovists introduced it in the Ukraine. In short order the three islands join the Federation, which by now includes Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and most of what parts of Andalusia that hasn't fallen to the Nationalists. Although de facto the Anarchists control a much larger area and are a powerful force everywhere that hasn't fallen to the Nationalists.
In the West of Spain things also follow OTL to up to a point. The experienced Army of Africa steamrolls up western Spain, crushing the still inexperienced militias and loyalist troops that stand against them. Although the militias fight bravely and with more aptitude than expected, they are largely left high and dry by the Loyalist Army which is being called back to Madrid.
IOTL, General Franco and Colonel Yagure argued bitterly after seizing Talavera de la Reina about where to go next. Franco wanted to advance to Toledo and lift the siege of Alcazar, while Yagure wanted to attack Madrid. OTL Franco got his way. ITTL Jose Antonio, leader of the Falange, is present to side with Yagure. Unlike OTL where Germany and Italy only provided aid to Franco, ITTL they provide their aid to Antonio who they see as a good fascist.
Franco backs down, and Alcazar falls to CNT and UGT militia on September 29, seriously hurting Nationalist morale. Yagure marches toward Madrid. The Caballero government flees to Cuenca, leaving a junta in charge of the defense of the capital, although besides the communist dominated 5th Regiment the militias are the only troops who could be called upon.
Colonel Yagure reaches the suburbs of Madrid on October 1 and so begins the first battle for Madrid.
International Situation
Tensions between Germany and France have been increasing rapidly thanks to the proxy war in Spain. It would only take a minor incident for war to erupt. Nothing sets off the tinder, but portions of the French Army including Petain start discussing secretly if the Nationalists might have had the right idea on how to react to “Popular Fronts”.
News of the Fall of Alcazar set off a series of minor strikes and widespread slowdown strikes in Italy and Germany. The strikes are put down by strikebreakers, but the class war is back in those countries. There is also a series of more major strikes in the Soviet Union.
With the example of the Federation, Anarchism and Syndicalism experience a resurgence in the Labor movements of many countries. Mainly this is at the expense of Marxism, although libertarian Marxists like the Council Communists also gain.
Map as of October 1st:
Like OTL, the Anarchist militias manage to take over the Island of Iziba and establish a beach head on Majorca. IOTL, the militias, in spite of having artillery and air support failed to press their advantage and were kicked off. ITTL, lead by Makhnovist veteran Peter Arshinov, the anarchists press their advantage and secure Majorca before the end of August. They also manage to secure Formentera. Anarchy is introduced to the islands in the same manner the Makhnovists introduced it in the Ukraine. In short order the three islands join the Federation, which by now includes Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and most of what parts of Andalusia that hasn't fallen to the Nationalists. Although de facto the Anarchists control a much larger area and are a powerful force everywhere that hasn't fallen to the Nationalists.
In the West of Spain things also follow OTL to up to a point. The experienced Army of Africa steamrolls up western Spain, crushing the still inexperienced militias and loyalist troops that stand against them. Although the militias fight bravely and with more aptitude than expected, they are largely left high and dry by the Loyalist Army which is being called back to Madrid.
IOTL, General Franco and Colonel Yagure argued bitterly after seizing Talavera de la Reina about where to go next. Franco wanted to advance to Toledo and lift the siege of Alcazar, while Yagure wanted to attack Madrid. OTL Franco got his way. ITTL Jose Antonio, leader of the Falange, is present to side with Yagure. Unlike OTL where Germany and Italy only provided aid to Franco, ITTL they provide their aid to Antonio who they see as a good fascist.
Franco backs down, and Alcazar falls to CNT and UGT militia on September 29, seriously hurting Nationalist morale. Yagure marches toward Madrid. The Caballero government flees to Cuenca, leaving a junta in charge of the defense of the capital, although besides the communist dominated 5th Regiment the militias are the only troops who could be called upon.
Colonel Yagure reaches the suburbs of Madrid on October 1 and so begins the first battle for Madrid.
International Situation
Tensions between Germany and France have been increasing rapidly thanks to the proxy war in Spain. It would only take a minor incident for war to erupt. Nothing sets off the tinder, but portions of the French Army including Petain start discussing secretly if the Nationalists might have had the right idea on how to react to “Popular Fronts”.
News of the Fall of Alcazar set off a series of minor strikes and widespread slowdown strikes in Italy and Germany. The strikes are put down by strikebreakers, but the class war is back in those countries. There is also a series of more major strikes in the Soviet Union.
With the example of the Federation, Anarchism and Syndicalism experience a resurgence in the Labor movements of many countries. Mainly this is at the expense of Marxism, although libertarian Marxists like the Council Communists also gain.
Map as of October 1st:
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