The Siege of the Alcázar of Toledo

August 5 - October 23, 1936

A small Nationalist garrison under Colonel Moscardó had withdrawn into the Fortress of the Alcázar accompanied by their famillies and some Republican hostages. Immeditately the Republican government sought to reduce this Nationalist enclave so close to Madrid but despite shelling, bombings and explosive mines, the defenders were able to hold out until relieved by a Nationalist force diverted from the drive on Madrid. Franco was criticized for his decision to turn aside, but the decision to rescue the brave defenders, who had endured 69 days of siege and starvation, galvanized the Nationalist cause. The ruins of the ancient fortress had become a Nationalist symbol [Santa Cruz].