Emilio Mola facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emilio Mola
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| Nickname(s) | El Director (The Director) |
| Born | 9 July 1887 Placetas, Cuba, Kingdom of Spain |
| Died | 3 June 1937 (aged 49) Alcocero, Burgos, Nationalist Spain |
| Buried |
Pamplona Cemetery (1937–1961)
(42°29′00″N 1°22′50″W / 42.48328°N 1.38050°W)Monument to the Fallen (1961–2016) Cremated (2016) |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Spain (1904–1931) Spanish Republic (1931–1936) Nationalist Spain (1936–1937) |
| Service/ |
Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1904–1932 1933–1937 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Commands held | Military Governor of Navarre Commander of the Army of the North |
| Battles/wars | Rif War Spanish Civil War |
| Awards |
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Emilio Mola y Vidal (born July 9, 1887 – died June 3, 1937) was an important Spanish general. He was one of the main leaders who started the Spanish Civil War in July 1936.
After another leader, José Sanjurjo, died in July 1936, Mola took charge of the Nationalist forces in northern Spain. Meanwhile, Francisco Franco led the forces in the south. Mola tried to capture Madrid. He famously called his supporters inside the city a "fifth column". This might be the first time this phrase was used. Mola died in a plane crash during bad weather. His death made Franco the most important Nationalist leader for the rest of the war.
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Early Life and Military Career
Emilio Mola was born in Placetas, Cuba. At that time, Cuba was a Spanish province. His father was an army officer stationed there. Mola's family was divided during the Cuban War of Independence. His father fought for Spain, but his uncle was a revolutionary fighter.
In 1907, Mola joined the Infantry Academy in Toledo, Spain. He fought in Spain's colonial war in Morocco. There, he earned the Military Medal. He became an expert in military matters. In May 1912, he was wounded in battle during the Kert campaign. This injury led to his promotion to Captain. By 1927, he had become a Brigadier-general.
In 1930, Mola became the Director-General of Security. This was a political job. His conservative ideas made him unpopular with some politicians. In February 1936, a left-wing government called the Popular Front was elected. They made Mola the military governor of Pamplona in Navarre. The government thought this area was not important. However, Navarre was a center for a traditionalist group called the Carlists. Mola secretly worked with them. He also worked with a right-wing military group. By April 1936, he was seen as their leader in north-central Spain.
Planning the Uprising
Mola became the main planner for the military uprising. General José Sanjurjo was in exile, but he was still the recognized leader. Mola was given the job of planning the operations inside Spain. People called him "the Director." Mola sent secret instructions to military units. He also made a detailed plan for a new government after the uprising.
In June 1936, Mola wrote about his vision for a new government. He imagined a "republican dictatorship." This would be a strong government, but it would still be a republic. It would keep some freedoms, like freedom of religion. He also planned to change how land was used to help small farmers.
Mola was not always sure the uprising would succeed. He worried about the abilities of some groups. He also felt there was not enough support from other right-wing parties. As late as July 9, he even thought he might have to flee to France if the plan failed.
The Civil War Begins
The uprising was set for July 18, 1936. Francisco Franco's involvement was confirmed in early July. Events started early in Spanish Protectorate of Morocco. But Mola waited until July 19 to officially announce the revolt.
Mola's brother was captured by the Republican government. They threatened his life. Mola replied that his brother knew how to die as an officer. He said he could not go back on his word to his followers. Mola then ordered actions in captured cities to create fear.
The Nationalist uprising did not take control of Madrid or other big cities. This led to the start of the Spanish Civil War. On July 20, Sanjurjo died in a plane crash. Mola then became the Nationalist commander in the north. Franco became the commander in the south. After Sanjurjo's death, Mola helped create a governing body. This body was called the National Defense Junta. It was based in Burgos.
In September, Mola's forces took Irún. This closed the French border. Mola's troops then secured the entire province of Guipúzcoa. This cut off the remaining Republican areas in the north.
The military leaders in Burgos struggled to set a clear strategy. So, on September 21, Franco was chosen as the commander-in-chief. Mola continued to lead the Army of the North. He led an attempt to capture Madrid in October. In a radio speech, he spoke of Nationalist supporters inside Madrid. He called them a "fifth column." He said they would help his four military columns. The Republican government then took action against suspected Nationalist supporters in the city.
Mola's Death
Emilio Mola died on June 3, 1937. The plane he was traveling in crashed into a mountain. This happened during bad weather as he was returning to Vitoria. The deaths of Sanjurjo, Mola, and Goded left Franco as the main leader of the Nationalist side. Some historians believe Mola was the only person who could challenge Franco.
There have been rumors that Franco arranged the deaths of his rivals. However, no proof has ever been found.
In 1947, Franco gave Mola the title of Duke of Mola. He also made him a Grandee of Spain. Mola's son, Don Emilio Mola y Bascón, immediately received the title. This title was removed in October 2022.
See also
- In Spanish: Emilio Mola para niños
- Fifth column
- Spanish Civil War
Sources
| Spanish nobility | ||
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| Preceded by New creation |
Duke of Mola 1948 |
Succeeded by Emilio Mola Bascón |
