The Spanish Cortes during July of 1936

[B0LSHEVIK]

The Popular Front after the February elections controlled 237 seats vs. 200 for the National Front.

Why were the Cortes dismissed, and subsequently a coalition government introduced? The Cortes were in Madrid, and the heroic city never fell until the bitter end. This is something not too often discussed, any ideas would help!

Im no newbie, I understand the revolutionary circumstance and happenings that forced some hands, but ultimately I think it was a mistake to have disbanded the Cortes. A revolutionary coalition government could have been formed anyways, with the plus of having the 'democratic institution' facade of the Cortes. I think this could have only helped in assuring the Republic's access to arms and munitions. Then again, I could be wrong.

[B0LSHEVIK]

Anyone?

[syndicat]

the Popular Front was based on the parties in the Cortes. there no new national elections to the Cortes during the war, as the country was at war.

the anarcho-syndicalists wanted to destroy the Cortes and replace it with a National Workers Congress...correctly in my opinion. The CNT's capitulation to the Popular Front strategy of the Socialist & Communist parties in Oct-Nov 1936 was the beginning of the end for the revolution.

state authority in Spain had completely collapsed initially in July 1936. numerous revolutionary committees, anti-fascist committees and so on had been set up in communities throughout Spain. this was an authority based on the unions and the Left organizations. capitulating to the Popular Front also meant going back to ordinary city councils based on party elections.

do you think that an authentic socialism will be brought about by voting for politicians? if so, then i can see why you might think the Cortes is a good idea.

[B0LSHEVIK]

do you think that an authentic socialism will be brought about by voting for politicians? if so, then i can see why you might think the Cortes is a good idea.

Synd, I always appreciate your input, but you are very quick to jump to conclusions sometimes.

First of all, I didnt say the Cortes should've been kept as the main government, but not DISBANDED. This is, usually, the main reason cited by the democracies of the time for denying arms to the Republic. You and I know however, that it was the authentic revolution going on Spain that led to such a decision. You answered my question however, the government was in disarray and chaos. Nobody knew what was going on, telephone lines were cut, no instant communication, I get it now.

Second of all, I dont see how you distinguish voting for politicians, and a syndicalist structure where you vote for delegates. Im not comparing bourgeois sham democracy with revolutionary workplace democracy, but really, Im pretty sure you agree 'voting' is important, unless you've become a totalitarian. :confused:

[Kléber]

The Western imperialists would never have helped the Republic. The only way to beat fascism was to go all the way - a workers state, full expropriation of the bourgeoisie, and independence for the African colonies.