This article covers the Spanish Civil War in the period from the start of 1938 to the end of 1939. By this period, Franco, backed by strong support from Germany and Italy had already become dominant, but to begin with the outcome of the war could not yet be said to be certain. The Republican defeat in the Battle of the Ebro from July to November 1938 is seen to be the deciding factor leading to Franco's final victory.

Detailed chronology: 1938

January 8

Republican troops commanded by Generals Hernández Sarabia and Leopoldo Menéndez take the city of Teruel, surrendered by Colonel Rey d'Harcourt . The hard winter conditions prevent the timely arrival of troops sent by Franco under the command of Generals Varela and Aranda.

February 20

Republican troops are forced to abandon Teruel and follow the highway to Valencia, under pressure of Moroccan troops commanded by General Yagüe. End of the Battle of Teruel.

March 6

The naval battle at Cape Palos (a Nationalist heavy cruiser Baleares is sunk by Republican destroyers).

March 13

France reopens its borders for the transit of arms to the Republican zone.

April 5

Socialist minister of defense Indalecio Prieto quits in protest of the level of Soviet influence over the army.

April 15

The Nationalists reach the Mediterranean at Vinaroz , dividing the Republican zone in two.

June

France once again closes the border.

July 24

Start of the Battle of the Ebro. Republican forces attempt to divert the Nationalists from attacking Valencia and to diminish the pressure on Catalonia. At first, the Republican troops, commanded by General Modesto, achieve considerable success, but were limited by superior Nationalist air power. Heavy combat continued into November

September 21

Doctor Negrín, head of the Republican government, in a speech to the League of Nations, announced that the International Brigades will be pulled from the combat zones.

October 30

The Nationalists counterattack, forcing Republican troops back across the Ebro.

November 16

End of the Battle of the Ebro.

December 23

The battle for Barcelona begins. A six-pronged Nationalist attack is launched, with separate defiles from the Pyrenees to the Ebro. They take Borges Blanques, surround Tarragona and reach the outskirts of Barcelona. The Republican government retreats from Barcelona to Gerona, although troops continue to maintain the defense of the city.

Detailed chronology: 1939

January 15

France once again allows arms to flow to the Republic.

January 26

Barcelona falls into Nationalist hands.

February 5

The Nationalists take Gerona, the Republican army in Catalonia has virtually disintegrated.

February 27

France and the UK recognize the Franco regime.

February 28

Manuel Azaña resigns as President of the Republic

March 4-12

Anti-communist coup by Colonel Segismundo Casado. In the streets of Madrid, there is a Civil War within the Civil War. The Consejo de Defensa Nacional, headed by Colonel Casado, tries without success to negotiate with Franco.
The Republican government goes into exile in France.

March 28

With the virtual disintegration of the Republican army, the Nationalists take Madrid.

March 29

Effective end of hostilities.

April 1

Franco announces the end of the war.