Republicans loyal to the elected Choosing , left-leaning Second Spanish Republic , in alliance with anarchists , fought Hostile_encounter against a revolt Change_of_leadership by the Nationalists , an alliance of Falangists , monarchists , conservatives and Catholics , led by a military group among whom General Francisco Franco soon achieved Achieve a preponderant role .

The Nationalists won the war , which ended Process_end in early 1939 , and ruled Legal_rulings Spain until Franco 's death Death in November 1975 .

Sanjurjo was killed Killing in an aircraft accident while attempting to return Arriving from exile in Portugal , whereupon Franco emerged Coming_to_be as the leader of the Nationalists .

The Nationalists and the Republican government fought Hostile_encounter for control Control of the country .

The Nationalists advanced Cause_to_make_progress from their strongholds in the south and west , capturing Conquering most of Spain 's northern coastline in 1937 .

Those associated Collaboration with the losing Republicans who stayed Temporary_stay were persecuted Killing by the victorious Nationalists .

The Battle of El Mazuco lead to Causation the capture Conquering of the Republican-controlled part of Asturias and the fall Motion_directional of Gijón , the Republic 's last stronghold in the North , to the Nationalists .

The Battle of Madrid in November 1936 saw Self_motion the most intense fighting Hostile_encounter in and around the city when the Nationalists made Creating their most determined Deciding attempt to take Conquering the Republican capital .

The Nationalists reached Arriving Madrid in early November 1936 , approaching Motion it from the north along the Corunna Road and west Extremadura road .

However , the Nationalists ' attempt to capture Conquering Madrid had some serious tactical drawbacks .

For one thing , their troops were outnumbered Expansion over two to one by the defenders ( although the Nationalists were far better trained Education_teaching and equipped Supply ) .