The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, was primarily caused by a combination of political, social, and economic factors. Spain was deeply divided along ideological lines, with one faction supporting the Republicans—comprised of leftist, socialist, and anarchist groups—seeking reform and modernization, while the other faction, the Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, was composed of conservative and fascist elements aiming to maintain traditional power structures. The failure of the Second Spanish Republic to address these grievances and growing tensions resulted in a bloody conflict that ultimately established Franco's dictatorship.