The Spanish Civil War

Europe of the 1930s saw the rise of a frightening fascism in the dictators of Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Francisco Franco. These men, left to their own devices, were able to commit unspeakable travesties among their own people. At a time when America had isolated itself from the world with various neutrality acts, countries such as Spain were fighting monsters with sand.

The year 1936 was the beginning of turmoil in Spain. Spanish rebels led by General Francisco Franco sought to overthrow Spain’s republic for a fascist rule. Under extreme distress, the Republicans received virtually no assistance in comparison to Franco who was supplied with troops, tanks, and ammunition by both Germany and Italy. When the U.S. refused to lift a finger, Robeson felt it was his duty to go to Spain in order to support the Republicans. Many wondered why he would risk his life going to Spain. Robeson’s response: “It is dishonorable to put yourself on a plane above the masses, without marching at their side…I love the cause of democracy in Spain, but also as a Black. I belong to an oppressed race, discriminated against, one that could not live if fascism triumphed in the world.”

When Robeson arrived on January 23, 1938, he was astonished by the will, determination, and drive of the Spanish people to resist Franco’s forces. With his own eyes, Robeson saw the destruction created by the fascist element, i.e. the effects of air raids and bombings. What struck him the most were the optimism and perseverance the people showed during the course of the war. Day after day, Robeson talked with the soldiers, sang for them, and lifted their spirits—doing whatever he could to show his support.

Robeson’s visit to Spain profoundly impacted him as well as the soldiers. It acted as a catalyst in his political blossoming. Appalled by the Western world’s lack of intervention in the Spanish Civil War, Robeson became an even greater outspoken force in the realm of politics. Speaking anywhere and everywhere he could, Robeson voiced his sentiments concerning the rotting political atmosphere due to fascism. His politics permeated his acting career, for he now refused to take part in productions, which did not present his political views or glossed over the common working man. Robeson had observed a remarkable courage within the Spanish people, and he would be damned if he stood by and watched another nation like Spain fall to such an oppressor.