Madrid - Fortificacion Inexpugnable

Madrid - Impregnable Fortification artist unknown, 1937

Franco's forces launched their assault on Madrid in November 1936

Although the Nationalists were far better equipped and trained, militias and armed citizens defended barricades in areas to the West of the city, like Ciudad Universitaria and Casa de Campo, and the advance was halted. 

The arrival of the International Brigades on 8 November significantly boosted Republican morale and fighting capacity. In spite of having been rushed to Madrid before they completed their training, they were immediately thrown into defending the front line in the Ciudad Universitaria - making a decisive difference.

After failing to take the city by storm, the Nationalists began a prolonged aerial bombardment and attempts to encircle Madrid, turning the battle into a long siege. An iconic banner proclaiming ¡No Pasarán! hung across the Calle de Toledo, leading up to Plaza Mayor.

Madrid finally fell to the Nationalists in March 1939 after the collapse of other front lines allowed Franco to focus his efforts on Madrid.