Regional Defence Council of Aragon

Origins

In the summer of 1936 anarchist militia columns from Catalonia advanced into eastern Aragon, where collectives sprang up in hundreds of villages. In October 1936 the CNT created the Regional Defence Council of Aragon, first at Fraga and then at Caspe, under Joaquín Ascaso.

Rule and society

The council organised the collectivisation of land and trade, in some villages abolishing money, and coordinated supplies for the Aragon front. It was later broadened to include other Republican parties and was recognised by Largo Caballero's government in December 1936, though Communists and Republicans criticised it.

Decline and legacy

After the May Days of 1937 weakened the anarchists, the Negrín government dissolved the council in August 1937. Enrique Líster's troops arrested its leaders and broke up many collectives. Aragon was overrun by Franco in 1938.