Defying Male Civilization: Women in the Spanish Civil War (Women and Modern Revolution Series)

Defying Male Civilization examines women's role and experiences in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It addresses the significant contributions made by anonymous women at the homefront as well as the heroic accomplishments of female political leaders and women who fought at the war fronts. When the war erupted, women's lives were dramatically transformed. Amid the harsh conditions of war, women organized themselves on a vast scale to fight against fascism, published antifascist journals and newspapers, took up arms, and provided services to help others survive. For many women, being actively involved in such a struggle was a liberating experience after having been isolated from political and public life. As they gained confidence in their own capabilities, these women began questioning their traditional role in society and the restrictions that had been imposed on them because of their gender. Based on Dr. Nash's extensive research and her interviews with women activists from the Spanish Civil War, Defying Male Civilization assesses the significance of women's involvement in the antifascist struggle against Franco. It introduces readers to the complex reality of war and revolution from a gender perspective, focusing not only on women's heroic achievements but on the limitations of change. DEFYING MALE CIVILIZATION examines women's role and experiences in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It addresses the significant contributions made by anonymous women at the homefront as well as the heroic accomplishments of female political leaders and women who fought at the warfronts. Based on Dr. Nash's interviews with women activists from the Spanish Civil War and her extensive research, this book introduces readers to the complex reality of war and revolution from a gender perspective. It examines women's efforts to organize themselves against fascism and the experiences and circumstances that caused them to begin questioning their traditional role in society and the restrictions imposed on them because of their gender.