Remembering the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War: 1936-2026

Ninety years ago this year, the International Brigades were formed during the Spanish Civil War to provide support for the army of the Republic. In a war of attrition lasting nearly three years, in which each side mustered more than half a million men under arms, the participation of 60,000 volunteers may suggest a mere sidelight in a sprawling human event. Yet the spirit of the Brigades far exceeded their numbers, and the example of their sacrifice and dedication to the cause of the Republic proved key contributions to the war effort in all major engagements of the conflict.  After the war, the reputation of the Brigades soon became legend, and today their story remains one of the most enthralling, if contentious, in all of modern history.  This talk explores the history, controversies and legacy of a singular historical phenomenon, from the Brigades’ founding in autumn 1936 to the passing away of the last surviving participants.