Translated from Spanish by David Fagan. Published Resistance Books (London). Buy here.

The Spanish state had a long and militant history of a workers’ movement, although it was economically and socially behind its neighbours by the 20th century. Anarchism has been a major factor since the 19th century, but in 3 apolitical groupings. Socialists were their rivals, and all were part of the trade union organisations. Communism was a small movement in that period.

Prior to 1931, the political system was corrupt and denied rights to the working class. The Republic was established in April 1931, but could not take power directly.

As union membership grew, socialism also spread. Catalonia was the heart of republican activity and working-class support, and by July 1936, just before the Civil War began, the POUM had about 6,000 members.

Differences among political groups led to gaps in support during battles, resulting in failures and losses. Changes in decisions occurred, causing breaks in mutual agreement and misunderstandings. Weapons were not available as required, and interventions from foreign countries were also interrupted.

By 1937, POUM had been forced into an adverse situation, with slander and blame, and accusations of fascism. They were repressed by the government in mid June, and many members, plus the leadership, were arrested soon after; the number is suggested to be up to 1000.

It didn’t entirely end their part in the struggle, as many of the division’s soldiers simply joined other units and continued to fight until the end of the war.

This book is a detailed account of the dedication of the largest workers’ party in Catalonia before the Civil War, led by Joaquin Maurin and Andreu Nin, in POUM. It is the history of the men and women who fought to transform their world of workers and peasants, the political ideas in the revolution that erupted in July 1936, and their tragic fate.

Please attend the book launch on Zoom.

Art Book Review Books Capitalism China Climate Emergency Conservative Government Conservative Party COVID-19 EcoSocialism Elections Europe Fascism Film Film Review France Gaza Imperialism Israel Italy Keir Starmer Labour Party Long Read Marxism Marxist Theory Palestine pandemic Protest Russia Solidarity Statement Trade Unionism Ukraine United States of America War