The Spanish Civil War began on July 17, 1936. This conflict arose from tensions between Republicans, who supported a democratic government, and Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, who sought to establish a fascist regime. The war was marked by brutal violence and widespread atrocities committed by both sides, drawing in international support and intervention from various countries. It was also a precursor to World War II, as it highlighted the ideological battle between fascism and democracy. The war concluded in 1939 with the victory of Franco's Nationalists, establishing a dictatorship that would last until his death in 1975.