The International Brigades were soldiers set up by the Communist International to assist the Popular Front government of the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. The organization existed for two years, from 1936 until 1938. It is estimated that during the entire war, between 40,000 and 59,000 members served in the International Brigades, including some 10,000 who died in combat. Beyond the Spanish Civil War, "International Brigades" is also sometimes used interchangeably with the term foreign legion in reference to military units comprising foreigners who volunteer to fight in the military of another state, often in times of war.
A unit of the Bulgarian International Brigade, 1937
POW brigadiers in Cardeña give the fascist salute, October 1938
Bronze plaque honoring the British soldiers of the International Brigades who died defending the Spanish Republic at the monument on Hill 705, Serra de Pàndols.
East German stamp honoring Hans Beimler with a combat scene of the International Brigades in the background
The Spanish Republic, commonly known as the Second Spanish Republic, was the form of government in Spain from 1931 to 1939. The Republic was proclaimed on 14 April 1931 after the deposition of King Alfonso XIII. It was dissolved on 1 April 1939 after surrendering in the Spanish Civil War to the Nationalists led by General Francisco Franco.
Allegory of the Spanish Republic, displaying republican symbolism such as the Phrygian cap and the motto Libertad, Igualdad, Fraternidad
Workers arrested by the Guardia Civil and Guardia de Asalto during the Asturian miners' strike of 1934
Column of Guardias Civiles during the 1934 Asturian Revolution, Brañosera
Calvo Sotelo dressed in the uniform of the Cuerpo de Abogados del Estado.
