In 1936, just four years after the establishment of the Republic, the government collapses again. When the liberal-left coalition known as the Popular Front wins a landslide victory in the elections, the anxiety of the right-wing forces reaches its peak.

On July 17, 1936, right-wing military leaders including General Francisco Franco launch a rebellion (coup) in Morocco and mainland Spain, marking the beginning of the civil war.

“Workers! Peasants! Anti-fascists! Patriots of Spain! In the face of a fascist military uprising, everyone must rise up to defend the Republic, the freedom of the people, and the democratic achievements won by the masses! Through the statements of the government and the Popular Front, you, the people, are aware of the gravity of the situation.”

“In Morocco and the Canary Islands, workers have joined forces with those still loyal to the Republic to fight against the fascist rebels. Under the banner 'Fascism shall not pass! The executioners of October shall not pass!', workers and peasants from all regions of Spain are joining the struggle against the enemies of the Republic who have risen in revolt.

(Omitted)

”People of Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia! All Spaniards! Let us defend our democratic Republic and consolidate the victory we achieved on February 16. The Communist Party needs your strength.“

“We want the workers, farmers, and intellectuals in particular to remain at their posts and fight until final victory is achieved by overthrowing the enemies of the Republic and the people's freedom.”

“Long live the Popular Front! Long live the Anti-Fascist Union! Long live the People's Republic! The fascists shall not pass!”

They shall not pass! (¡NO PASARÁN!)

— Dolores Ibárruri, La Pasionaria, in a radio broadcast on July 19, 1936 —