1936–1944 Spanish Civil War Propaganda and Ration Coupon Collection
DESCRIPTION
An impressive collection of 22 illustrated Spanish Civil War propaganda sheets, each backed with original perforated ration coupons, documenting the political divisions, military campaigns, and hardships of Spain during the Civil War and early years of Francisco Franco's dictatorship. The colorful illustrations promote Nationalist military victories, Falangist organizations, Italian Fascist intervention, and civilian relief programs, while the reverse sides contain coupons for essential foodstuffs.
The Spanish Civil War and Nationalist Propaganda
The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) began with a military uprising against the Republican government. Franco's Nationalists received substantial military assistance from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, while the Republicans were supported by the Soviet Union and international volunteers. The Nationalist victory in 1939 established Franco's dictatorship, which continued until 1975.
Several sheets feature particularly striking propaganda, including Evacuad Madrid, depicting the aerial bombardment of the Spanish capital; Así Acabará el Comunismo, showing a skull beneath a Soviet helmet; and Victoria, celebrating the Nationalist victory. Others commemorate the Alzamiento Nacional, promote the Falange, or celebrate Franco's leadership. Italian involvement is represented through illustrations honoring the Divisione Volontari del Littorio and the Blackshirt units of the Divisione XXIII de Marzo. Another sheet depicts the executions at Paracuellos del Jarama, an atrocity committed by Republican-side forces and subsequently exploited in Nationalist propaganda.
Civilian Relief and Food Rationing
Not all the illustrations concern military victories. Several promote the Spanish Red Cross, Auxilio Social (Social Aid), assistance for widows and orphans, and other relief organizations. These programs addressed widespread poverty, displacement, and food shortages, while also helping Franco's government establish political influence over civilian life. One sheet promotes Spanish volunteers fighting against the Soviet Union during World War II.
The reverse sides contain intact sheets of perforated ration coupons for bread, flour, rice, sugar, potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions, garlic, and other necessities. They represent communities throughout Spain, including Madrid, Málaga, Valladolid, Burgos, and Valencia, with dates extending into the 1940s. Food rationing continued well beyond the Civil War as Spain struggled with agricultural disruption, shortages, and economic isolation.
Preserving the original propaganda illustrations alongside their ration coupons, this collection offers a substantial record of Spain's political messaging and the everyday realities of wartime and postwar life. All 22 illustrated sheets are offered together, with their original perforations largely intact.
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622