The Spanish Passion: A Wargamer's Guide to The Spanish Civil War 1936-1939

The Spanish Civil War is often reduced to a simple ideological struggle between socialism and fascism, but such a view fails to capture the depth and complexity of a conflict that tore a nation apart. Spain in the 1930s was a society in flux—a country where political idealism clashed with traditional religious values, where ancient regional identities vied with modernising forces, and where ordinary people were swept into a whirlwind of violence, upheaval, and transformation. With the rise of the Republican government, these tensions ignited into a brutal civil war—one that would become a harbinger of the wider global conflict to come.

For military historians and wargamers alike, the Spanish Civil War offers an extraordinarily rich and layered field of study. It was one of the first truly modern conflicts, serving as a proving ground for new technologies and tactical doctrines. Aerial bombing of civilian targets, combined arms operations involving tanks and mechanised infantry, rapid strategic redeployments such as the airlift of the Army of Africa, and innovative urban defensive tactics—as seen in the Republican stand around the University of Madrid—foreshadowed the strategic dynamics of the Second World War. At the same time, remnants of the First World War endured: trench lines, static positions, and prolonged sieges all featured prominently, underlining the hybrid nature of the fighting.

The war also drew in powerful international players. Germany’s Condor Legion, Mussolini’s Italian forces, and Soviet advisors and materiel flooded into Spain, turning it into a global stage for ideological and military confrontation. This external support brought with it a dramatic diversification in uniforms, equipment, and weaponry, transforming the appearance of both Nationalist and Republican forces over time. The evolution of these forces is charted in detail within this volume, which includes an invaluable guide to the varied armaments, formations, and battlefield styles that characterised the war.

Beyond its historical significance, the Spanish Civil War has long fascinated the wargaming community. Its combination of large-scale set-piece battles and smaller skirmishes lends itself naturally to tabletop recreation. Many of the war’s engagements are ideal for one-session scenarios, offering clear objectives and manageable force sizes for players. Whether you are looking to game the sweeping offensives of the Ebro, the desperate defence of Madrid, or the dynamic clashes in Aragon or the Basque Country, this guide provides a wealth of inspiration, supported by scenarios, troop breakdowns, and practical advice.