Franco's Soldiers
by Francisco J. Leira-Castineira
"Transnational and Sociological Analysis of Recruitment and Combat in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)"
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Franco's Soldiers by Francisco J. Leira-Castineira
Details
War:
Spanish Civil War
Perspective:
Infantry
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
Europe
Published Date:
2023
ISBN13:
9781789761771
Description
Main Themes and Topics
Franco's Soldiers by Francisco J. Leira-Castineira delves into the Spanish Civil War, focusing on the roles and experiences of Franco's soldiers. The book provides a transnational analysis, situating the Spanish conflict within the broader political and military upheavals of the early 20th century. Central themes include the coercive nature of recruitment, the use of terror and propaganda, and the psychological and social ramifications of dictatorship. Leira-Castineira highlights the enforced alignment of individuals with a regime driven by fear, exploring how this acceptance of autocracy emerged and solidified.
Writing Style and Tone
The writing style of Franco's Soldiers is analytical yet accessible, effectively bridging academic discourse and narrative history. Francisco J. Leira-Castineira employs a tone that is both scholarly and engaging, which allows readers to grasp the complex social and psychological dynamics at play during the Spanish Civil War. Through meticulous research and eloquent prose, the author presents a comprehensive picture of how military ethos and societal structures under Franco's rule were woven into the fabric of daily life.
Awards and Recognition
Since its initial publication in Spain, Franco's Soldiers has been met with critical acclaim. The book is recognized for its innovative transnational approach and is noted for contributing significantly to the understanding of the Spanish Civil War in a broader historical context. Supported by the Department of International History at the London School of Economics, the work is celebrated for encouraging international discourse on the impact of dictatorship.
Brief Summary (no spoilers)
Franco's Soldiers investigates the plight of those who found themselves on the front lines of the Spanish Civil War under Francisco Franco's authoritarian rule. Rather than being ideologically driven from the outset, many of Franco's soldiers were recruits coerced into service, facing a grim choice between becoming executioners or victims. The book provides insight into the mechanisms of recruitment, the pervasive use of terror and propaganda, and the psychological trials faced by individuals in a dictatorship. Through the examination of military ethos, the narrative reveals the war's enduring effects on personal and national identities, placing the Spanish experience in a wider global context.
