“THIS DAY IN HISTORY”: JULY 17

   The Spanish Civil War begins, (1936–39), when the Spanish army revolted against the Republican government of Spain, supported by conservative elements within the country and led by General Francisco Franco. When an initial military coup failed to win control of the entire country, a bloody civil war ensued, fought with great ferocity on both sides. The Nationalists, as the rebels were called, received aid from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. The Republicans received aid from the Soviet Union, as well as from International Brigades, composed of volunteers from Europe and the United States.