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The Spanish monarchy was deposed and a Leftist Republic was formed in 1931. Over the years social tensions, political assassinations and a failed coup evolved into a full blown Civil War. On one side was the Republican Govt supported by liberals, communists and Stalin.
1/n https://twitter.com/Your_Levodopa/status/1272959838373306368
1/n https://twitter.com/Your_Levodopa/status/1272959838373306368
On other side was Fransisco Franco and his Nationalists, supported by monarchists, fascists, catholics, Portugal, Nazi Germany and Italy.
This was a bloody civil war cum proxy war fought between 1936-39, and was a prelude to a deadlier soon tk be starting WW2.
2/n
This was a bloody civil war cum proxy war fought between 1936-39, and was a prelude to a deadlier soon tk be starting WW2.
2/n
The war was devastating and soon it was getting clear that the Nationalists were having an upper hand. Franco was closing in and panic was setting in.
There were rumours going around, first caught by Nazi German diplomats and later reported in Republican govt newspapers
3/n
There were rumours going around, first caught by Nazi German diplomats and later reported in Republican govt newspapers
3/n
Rumour had it that Fransisco Franco said that 4 columns of Nationalist armies are headed towards the Govt controlled Madrid.
And, the 5th column was already inside which will spring up at appropriate time.
Ofcourse more panic set in.
4/n
And, the 5th column was already inside which will spring up at appropriate time.
Ofcourse more panic set in.
4/n
It's easy to guess that Madrid was captured, later Barcelona and eventually by mid 1939, the Republic was deposed, Franco had won and he became the fascist Dictator of Spain.
He stayed in power till his death in 1975. Monarchy was then restored and current Spain was born.
5/n
He stayed in power till his death in 1975. Monarchy was then restored and current Spain was born.
5/n
Soon after Spanish Civil war, the Allies caught on to that precise terminology during WW2 and the word "5th column" soon denoted the traitors from within, who will conspire and seize the first opportunity whenever there is an external threat.
6/n
6/n
Given the recent Chinese aggression, I guess a lot of Fifth Columnists are out of the closet here 
Stay safe from them.
n/n
Stay safe from them.
n/n
