Madrid (Rep)

• The revolution was less radical in Madrid. In the capital, central government had much greater control and the economy was run in a more traditional way. Only 30% of Madrid’s industries were collectivised and money remained a part of everyday life. 
• For the majority of the war, Madrid was under siege from the Nationalists. Initially, the capital’s citizens dug trenches and set up barricades to resist attack. As war went on, bombing raids caused extreme disruption. The first bombing raid, on the 28th August 1936 led to the formation of resident committees which organised blackouts and air raid shelters.  
• Food shortages and long queues were also common as prices became highly inflated. 
• In spite of difficulties, the people of Madrid were determined to fight on. The spirit was captured in the slogan ‘no pasaran!’, meaning ‘they shall not pass!’.  
• The mood of Madrid’s citizens changed as the war progressed. Caballero responded to the Nationalist threat by relocating the Republican government to Valencia in November 1936. As a result, many believed that Madrid would soon be lost to the Nationalists, and morale fell.