Dissertation Options

To what extent was the fall of the Monarchy in 1931 due to Alfonso’s incompetence? In this essay you would look at the different factors that led to the collapse of the monarchy. The key historical debate would surround whether it was Alfonso XIII's poor decision-making or the growing social and political changes within Spain that were the pivotal reason in Spain becoming a republic.

Was the Agrarian Problem the most fundamental rift in Spanish society up to 1936? In this essay you would look at the different areas of conflict within Spanish society. The key historical debate would surround whether it was arguments over the use of land, or other issues such as Basque/Catalan nationalism or religion that were the pivotal cause of conflict.

Were the expectations of its supporters the main reason the reforms of the Republican government from 1931 to 1933 failed to bring peace to Spain? In this essay you would look at the different factors that led to the failure of the Left Republic. The key historical debate would surround whether it was the unrealistic expectations of the left or other factors such as the power of entrenched forces on the right or economic problems that were pivotal in its failure.

‘Despite the heroism of its soldiers, the Republican army was let down by its commanders.’ How fair is this comment on the performance of the Republic’s forces? In this essay you would look at the performance of the Republican army's commanders during the Civil War. You would examine the strengths and weaknesses of their leadership, and decide whether they were to blame for defeat or whether it was the overwhelming military might of the Nationalists.

Was Soviet policy toward Republican Spain a ‘help or hindrance’ to the Republican side? In this essay you would look at the contribution of Soviet Aid to the Republic. You would examine the military, economic and political impact of Soviet policy, and decide whether it helped the Republic's war effort or harmed it.

How important was German and/or Italian economic and military aid to the Nationalists? In this essay you would look at the impact of different foreign aid in the Civil War. You would compare it to other factors such as the divisions of the Republicans and the strength of the Spanish forces within the Nationalist forces.

Was the attitude of the British Government to the Spanish Civil War neutral or pro-nationalist? In this essay you would look at British non-intervention in the conflict. The key argument centres on whether the British government was simply trying to stay out of the conflict, or if it wanted the Franco's Nationalist forces to prevail.

How important were the International Brigades to the Republic? In this essay you would look at the impact of the International Brigades. You will analyse their military and political impact.

Was the leadership of Franco the main reason that the Nationalists were able to turn a failed coup into a successful war? In this essay you would look at the personal impact of Franco in the Civil War. You would compare it to other factors such as the divisions of the Republicans and the strength of the foreign aid to the Nationalists.

Was oppression of the population the main consequence of Franco’s victory in the Spanish Civil War? In this essay you would look at the legacy of the Civil War. What was the most important long-term impact on Spain?