It pays to reread a classic, it invigorates the appreciation of the story, the author's efforts, with a bit of self satisfaction that you've accomplished what few readers choose to do in the age of Kindle and e-books. The Mayor is loading up on the efforts of authors to tell the story of the Spanish Civil War and its details. Americans, generally, have overlooked this not-so-famous run up to WW II. The American economy was going through the Great Depression. Franklin D. Rossevelt was a new president, intent on leading the country forward. While he was well aware of international events including the spread of Italian fascism and Germany's embrace of National Socialism, not to mention Japan's war in Manchuria, he was more keenly focused on domestic issues and conditions of the general population.
Spain in the early '30's was experiencing social upheaval and a polarizing of the population was leading to strong rhetoric among politicians, both left and right. A newly elected president was attempting to change the social order by land reform and the introduction of a social safety net. The traditional conservatives were adamantly opposed to these changes and were willing to fight. The result: the Spanish Civil War. In an oft confusing tableaux of political parties, opponents of the elected government mobilized troops in opposition. Support from abroad came in the form of the Fascist forces of Germany and Italy for the conservative challengers; the elected government enlisted the support of Communist party groups who in turn, recruited help from Russya, both in money and manpower. America, not willing to officially side with either Communists or Fascists, opted out of active support. However, a number of volunteer brigades were formed, and with their own financing, went to Spain to help the elected government.
more later
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