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 government at the time was a moderate , liberal coalition of Republicans , supported Supporting in the Cortes by communist and socialist parties , under the leadership of centre-left President Manuel Azaña .

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

A smaller but significant number of killings Killing also took place Process_start in areas controlled Control by the Republicans , with the participation of local authorities varying Change from location to location .

These tensions Hostile_encounter between liberal Orléanist and Radical Republicans and Socialists led to Causation the June Days Uprising Change_of_leadership .

The sergeant was killed Killing by one of his officers , but his action allowed Preventing_or_letting the Republicans to breach Damaging the walls .

Thereafter and for the remainder of the war , Madrid was held Hold by the Republicans .

The weeks that followed Self_motion the July uprising Change_of_leadership , saw Self_motion a number of so-called fascists or fascist sympathisers being killed Killing in Madrid by Republicans .

For example , on 23 August 70 prisoners from the `` Modelo '' Prison in the city were massacred Committing_crime in revenge for the Nationalist killing of over 1,500 Republicans after the storming Catastrophe of Badajoz .

However , the resistance to the coup by Republicans meant that instead of this , Franco and his allies would have to conquer Conquering the country by military force if they wanted to seize power .

This diversion held up Change_event_time their attack Attack on Madrid by up to a month — giving the Republicans time to prepare GetReady its defence .