Book Description
The Spanish Civil War began in the summer of 1936. It touched powerful interests and evoked strong emotions all over Wales, but Cardiff’s involvement was unique. The city had a major economic relationship with the Basque Country, and especially Bilbao—which resembled Cardiff in many ways. The Bilbao connection helped to make many of Cardiff’s shipping firms, and attracted an immigrant Spanish community to Cardiff docks. When the Civil War broke out, Cardiffians reacted differently. These were the worst years of the depression in one of the worst-hit areas of the world. Communists and Fascists were squaring-up in the streets. Left-wing organisations mobilised help for the Spanish Republic; and committed young men volunteered for the International Brigades—and some of them died in Spain. But General Franco’s side also had support in the city, especially amongst its large Irish-Catholic community. Cardiff provided the only successful Welsh volunteer for the Nationalist ranks. People from contrasting backgrounds discovered a political and literary consciousness. Journalists, academics, minister and priest took sides. Exiled Spaniards—from defeated fighters to innocent children—found a welcome in Cardiff. The Spanish Civil War certainly left a political and psychological mark on the capital city of Wales—and this book shows why.
From the Publisher
Cardiff and the Spanish Civil War draws on the author's extensive knowledge of Spanish history and his personal interest in the history of Cardiff. Its sources include both written documents and oral histories which the author conducted in the local community.
From the Author
In teaching and writing, my chief interests are the history of Spain. But Cardiffiana is my bobby and even in some ways my hobby horse.
About the Author
Before his retirement, Rob Stradling was Professor of History at Cardiff University. Author of a number of scholarly books and articles on Spanish history, Professor Stradling has lived in the Cardiff area most of his life.
