2.3.1 The Variety of Experiences in the Republican Zones

• Barcelona was dominated by anarchists and run by the CNT, which abolished the government and emphasised that ordinary people should take control their lives
• 70% of Barcelona's industry, around 2,000 businesses, were collectivised and workers established democratically elected committees which took responsibility for issues such as the setting of wages and working hours
• Public services and transport systems were also collectivised. Private cars were turned into community taxis, lorries distributed food and hotels, such as the Ritz hotel, were turned into canteens
• Anarchist Removal of Visible Signs of Previous Rulers:

  1. Churches were destroyed,
  2. Statues of Jesus were removed
  3. People were encouraged to wear blue overalls and referred to each other as "comrade"
• Faction fighting in Barcelona in May 1937 resulted in a victory for the PCE, destroying the anarchist society established by the CNT. In August 1937, 11,000 troops of the Popular Army were sent into Aragon, ending anarchist control of the region
• The central government in Madrid remained firmly in control and only 30% of Madrid's industries were nationalised. Food shortages and frequent bombing raids undermined civilian morale