Battle of Lérida (1938) facts for kids

The Battle of Lérida (1938) was an important fight during the Spanish Civil War in 1938. It happened in the city of Lérida (also called Lleida) in Catalonia, Spain. This battle was a big win for the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. It helped them take control of a key area in Catalonia.

What Was the Battle of Lérida?

The Battle of Lérida was a military operation that lasted from late March to early April 1938. It was part of a larger push by the Nationalist army to conquer territory in eastern Spain. The city of Lérida was very important because it was a gateway to Catalonia, a region that was a strong base for the Republican government.

Why Was Lérida Important?

Lérida was a strategic city for several reasons:

• Location: It was on the Segre River, which was a natural defense line.
• Transportation Hub: The city had important roads and railways. Controlling them meant controlling movement in the region.
• Symbolic Value: Taking Lérida would be a big blow to the Republican government. It would show that the Nationalists were gaining power.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The battle involved two main sides:

• Nationalist Forces: These were soldiers loyal to General Francisco Franco. They included Spanish troops, as well as soldiers from Italy and Germany who supported Franco. Their goal was to capture Lérida and push further into Catalonia.
• Republican Forces: These were soldiers defending the Spanish Republic. They included various groups, like the Spanish Republican Army, and also international volunteers. They were trying to stop the Nationalist advance.

Key Leaders

• On the Nationalist side, General Juan Yagüe led the main attack.
• On the Republican side, General Vicente Rojo Lluch was in charge of the defense.

What Happened During the Battle?

The battle began with a strong attack by the Nationalist forces. They used a lot of artillery and air power.

• Initial Attacks: The Nationalists launched their main assault on March 27, 1938. They quickly broke through some Republican defenses.
• Fierce Resistance: The Republican defenders fought very hard. They tried to hold their positions, especially in the city itself.
• Street Fighting: Once the Nationalists entered Lérida, there was intense fighting in the streets. This kind of combat is very difficult and dangerous.
• Republican Retreat: Despite their efforts, the Republican forces were eventually forced to retreat. They could not hold back the stronger Nationalist attack.

What Was the Outcome?

The Battle of Lérida ended with a clear victory for the Nationalist forces.

• Nationalist Victory: By April 3, 1938, the Nationalists had taken full control of Lérida.
• Impact on the War: This victory was very important for Franco's side. It opened the way for them to advance deeper into Catalonia. It also cut off some Republican areas from each other.
• Losses: Both sides suffered many casualties (soldiers killed or wounded). The Republican side lost a lot of equipment and soldiers.

The fall of Lérida was a major turning point in the Spanish Civil War. It showed the growing strength of the Nationalist army and weakened the Republican government's position.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Lérida (1938) para niños