Alianza de Intelectuales Antifascistas facts for kids
The Alliance of Antifascist Intellectuals for the Defense of Culture (Alianza de Intelectuales Antifascistas para la Defensa de la Cultura) was a group of writers, artists, and thinkers. They formed this organization on July 30, 1936. This was right after the Spanish Civil War started.
Their main goal was to protect culture and ideas from fascism. Fascism is a type of government where one leader has total power. It often uses force to control people. The Alliance first met in Madrid, Spain. Later, they moved to Valencia, following the government of the Second Spanish Republic.
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What Was the Alliance?
The Alliance was like a club or meeting place for smart people. They had different sections for various topics. They worked to share ideas and speak out against fascism. This was especially important because General Franco's army was trying to take control of Spain.
They wrote and shared many public statements. They also gave talks and asked people to join their cause. Their aim was to defend freedom of thought and art during a difficult time.
How the Alliance Started
The idea for the Alliance began in 1935. This was during a big meeting called the First Congress of Antifascist Writers. At this meeting, the International Association of Writers in Defense of Culture (AIEDC) was created. Several Spanish writers and thinkers were there. They helped bring the idea back to Spain.
Other Groups Joined In
Other smaller groups also became part of the Alliance. One was the Union of Proletarian Writers and Artists. This group was made up of activists from Valencia. Another group was Accio d'Art. They were artists who wanted to do things differently from other art groups in Valencia.
Publications and Events
The Alliance published its own newspapers and magazines. The first one was called Milicia Popular, which came out in September 1936. But their most famous magazine was El Mono Azul.
They also organized many events. One of the most important was the Second International Congress of Writers for the Defense of Culture. This big meeting happened from July 4 to 17, 1937. It was mainly held in Valencia. But some events also took place in Madrid, even though the city was almost surrounded by fighting. Other events were in Barcelona, and the congress ended in Paris. This event brought together many important writers from around the world.
Who Were the Members?
Many famous Spanish writers and artists were part of the Alliance. They used their talents to speak out against fascism.
Some of the well-known members included:
- María Zambrano
- Rafael Alberti
- Miguel Hernández
- José Bergamín
- María Teresa León
- Rosa Chacel
- Luis Buñuel
- Luis Cernuda
- Pedro Garfias
- Juan Chabás
- Rodolfo Halffter
- Ramón J. Sender
- Emilio Prados
- Manuel Altolaguirre
- Max Aub
- Rafael Morales
Many famous writers from other countries also worked with the Alliance. They supported the cause from afar.
Some of these international collaborators were:
- Pablo Neruda (from Chile)
- Nicolás Guillén (from Cuba)
- Ernest Hemingway (from the United States)
- César Vallejo (from Peru)
- Octavio Paz (from Mexico)
- André Malraux (from France)
- Louis Aragon (from France)
See also
In Spanish: Alianza de Intelectuales Antifascistas para niños
