The outbreak of the Spanish Civil WarEven today the Spanish Civil War is remembered as the most crucial moment in the history of Spanish politics. The only way to understand how 600,000 Spaniards were killed between 1936 and 1939 is to ask why civil war broke out in Spain in 1936. There were a number of reasons that led to the civil war in Spain. The main and most significant one has been the growing political polarization between left-wing and right-wing parties. This polarization began primarily within Spanish society, which had been characterized by strong religious beliefs and conservative values, as it had remained a strict Roman Catholic country for many centuries. This was evident in the Senate[1] where some members of the clergy held seats. Consequently, the Church also played an important role in the Spanish government and expressed its influence through aspects of education[2] and freedom of expression. This was a major factor that contributed to tensions within Spanish society as many Spaniards believed that the church had too much political authority and wealth. However, it was not until after the Spanish-American War of 1898 that divisions became apparent. Evidently, Spain's loss of its colonies[3] lowered the morale of the Spanish people and reflected Spain's backward and deteriorating nation,[4] especially compared to the development of other European countries of that period. It was here that the Spanish realized their desperate need for "regeneration". However, a disagreement over the type of change needed divided the Spanish nation into two factions, ... middle of paper ... d Carr, 'The Republic and the Civil War in Spain' p.47.[8] Called the 'Pacific Turn.'[9] See David Mitchell, 'The Spanish Civil War' pp.6-7.[10] Large private estates in southern Spain worked by landless peasant labourers. See Martin Blinkhorn, “Democracy and Civil War in Spain.” P.4.[11] The founders of Roman Catholicism. Religious clauses reported on page 46, Hugh Thomas, 'The Spanish Civil War'.[12] The Spanish Communist Party[13] Revolutionary and anti-Stalinist Communist Party.[14][15][16][17][18] See Raymond Carr, 'The Republic and the Civil War In Spain.' Editor's Introduction, p.10.[19] Name given to the period between the November 1933 elections and the end of 1935, meaning the "two black years".[20] See David Mitchell, “The Spanish Civil War,” p..4.