The Spanish Civil War was more than a fratricidal struggle. Nobody could have predicted in July 1936 that a failed military coup could give way to three years of vicious conflict, transcending national barriers and arousing passions and divisions throughout Europe. In one form or another, all the great powers were involved in the affair. Yet it was the appeal to common people which surrounded the war in Spain with special nostalgia and romanticism. Seen by many as the first opportunity to defend democracy and prevent the growth of Fascism, the Spanish Civil War became the 'last great cause' - an almost epic struggle in which thousands of men and women went to fight as volunteers in, what was for many, a distant and unknown country. The Spanish Civil War - provides a comprehensive and thorough analysis of this fascinating and complex subject - examines the social and political polarisation of both the Bourbon Monarchy (1874-1931) and the Second Republic (1931-1936) - offers an original and gripping account of the political, social and military impact of the conflict on the two warring Spains - explores the crucial international dimension of the war - considers the legacy which was ensured by the establishment of a dictatorship whose primary objective was the persecution and punishment of the vanquished. Clear and concise, this is the essential guide to one of the most terrible wars of the twentieth century.