Why did the Spanish Republic lose the Spanish Civil War - and could the Republic have won? These are the key questions Alexander Clifford addresses in this in-depth study of the People's Army and the critical battles of Brunete, Belchite and Teruel. These battles represented the Republic's best chance of military success, but after bitter fighting its forces were beaten back. From then on the Republic, facing the superior army of Franco and the Nationalists, aided by Germany and Italy, faced inevitable defeat. This tightly focused and perceptive account of the military history of the Republic and its army is fascinating reading. As well as providing a broad overview of the strategy and tactics of the People's Army and its Nationalist opponents, Alexander Clifford quotes vivid eyewitness testimony to give the reader a direct insight into the experience of the front-line soldiers on both sides during these three critical battles. Their recollections reveal to the reader what it was like to fight in the scorching heat of the plains around Brunete, in the shattered streets of Belchite - still ruined to this day - and in the frozen hills of Teruel.

About the Author
Alexander Clifford is a school teacher by profession, a history graduate who has studied at the universities in Leeds, Munich and Northumbria, and an expert on the Spanish Civil War. He previous work on the war, Divided We Fall, an interactive novel app, followed the lives of four Spaniards during the main events of the conflict both on and behind the lines.

Reviews
Well written and offers a different perspective on the Spanish Civil War.--Balkan Wargamer The People's Army in the Spanish Civil War is exceptional, it is accessible in that it spans the divide between academic and populist publications. It can be read by anyone as the History teacher here presents the information in a way that is clear, but challenging. The chapter structure and style of writing make the reading of this volume a pleasure, the chapters are distinct units, part of a larger unit, one has the feeling of fulfilment on reaching the end of a chapter. It is usual to impose a qualification on recommendation, limiting the recommendation to a particular grouping of people. In this case this would be unnecessary, for experts on, and novices to, the topic will get something from this publication. - Tony Fox, The Battlefields Trust, March 2020 A meticulously researched analysis of the Republican and Nationalist armies... if you have a serious interest in the topic you will want to read this book. - Historical Novels Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781526760920
Author Alexander Clifford
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pen & Sword Military
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd