Date of Award
Spring 2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Department
History
Director of Thesis
Dr. Carol Harrison
First Reader
Dr. Elena Osokina
Second Reader
Dr. Elena Osokina
Abstract
This thesis examines the roles, ideologies, attitudes, and arguments of American Catholics in debates over the Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939. Although the war only lasted between these years, these debates carried over into WWII as Spain’s neutrality came into question. Specifically, the focus is on how American Catholics grappled with historically unprecedented Spanish anticlericalism, the direct murder of roughly 7000 Catholic clergy and persecution of many more by Spanish Republicans, and why this anticlericalism drove most Catholics into a form of unapologetic pro-Francoism. This research is conducted by careful analysis of both mainstream and Catholic newspapers/journals. Mainstream pro-Republican press is incredibly important as it provides an intensely stark contrast to Catholic arguments. This analysis argues that America’s long and bitter history of anti-Catholicism gave substantial and significant momentum to Catholic pro-Nationalist rhetoric and argumentation. Finally, the conclusions reflect how anti-Catholicism drove Catholic discussions of Spain well into WWII.
First Page
1
Last Page
45
Recommended Citation
Linker, Paul Sanders Jr., "American Fury: Catholic Responses to Spanish Anticlericalism (1936-1939)" (2022). Senior Theses. 514.
https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/senior_theses/514
Rights
© 2022, Paul Sanders Linker Jr.
Included in
European History Commons, History of Religion Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons