Evolution of conditions throughout the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

Describe how conditions evolve over the course of the war. A first step then is to describe the conditions at the time the war starts. What are the prospects for victory for the govemment and for the rebels at the beginning of the war? What variables lead you to assess likely outcomes this way? Candidates variables include: past outcomes, relative strength, likely external support, availability of funding sources for either side, ethnic linkages that facilitate government or rebel recruitment. Be as clear as you can about why it looks like one side or the other will emerge victorious. I assume variables not on my list will also matter. Discuss all relevant variables that lead to your assessment of which side is likely to prevail. Bear in mind that it is possible that some things will make rebel victory look likely, other things might make government victory seem probable, and thus there might be considerable uncertainty about who, at the outset, is expected to prevail. Next, how did the war end? Which side (if either [stalemate and/or compromise outcomes sometimes occur)) won? Is it the side that was anticipated at war’s onset to win that won? If yes, did the factors prominent when the war began determine outcome? If not, what changed? How did the “underdog” win (or win concessions)? How do you know the original or the changed conditions “caused” the outcome? Be as analytical and as convincing as you can.”