Juan Negrín, Spanish physician and politician, 67th Prime Minister of Spain (d. 1956)

Juan Negrín López (Spanish pronunciation: [xwan neˈɣrin]; 3 February 1892 – 12 November 1956) was a towering figure in 20th-century Spanish history, known for his dual careers as a distinguished physician and a pivotal politician during one of Spain's most tumultuous periods. His life journey began with a strong academic foundation in medicine, specializing in physiology. Negrín pursued his advanced studies in Germany, at renowned institutions like the University of Leipzig, where he worked under esteemed physiologists such as Eduard Hitzig and Paul Flechsig. Upon his return to Spain, he became a respected professor of physiology at the Central University of Madrid (now Complutense University of Madrid), contributing significantly to medical research and education. This background instilled in him a methodical, analytical approach that would later characterize his political decision-making, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Negrín transitioned from academia to politics, rising through the ranks of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (Spanish: Partido Socialista Obrero Español, PSOE). His political career saw him serve in crucial roles within the left-leaning Popular Front government of the Second Spanish Republic. He was initially appointed as the Minister of Finance in September 1936, a critical position tasked with managing the Republic's dwindling resources during the nascent stages of the Spanish Civil War. His leadership capabilities and strategic vision became even more evident when he assumed the premiership, becoming the Prime Minister (President of the Council of Ministers) of the Second Spanish Republic in May 1937, a role he maintained until the Republic's collapse in March 1939.

As the last Loyalist premier of Spain, from 1937 to 1939, Negrín bore the immense burden of leading the Republican forces against the Nationalist insurgency commanded by General Francisco Franco. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by desperate efforts to resist the advancing Nationalist armies, reorganize the military, maintain social order, and secure vital international aid, particularly from the Soviet Union, as Western democracies largely adhered to a policy of non-intervention. Despite his persistent attempts to prolong resistance, hoping for an international conflict to engulf Europe and lead to intervention on the Republic's behalf, the Republican forces were ultimately defeated by the Nationalists.

Following the Nationalist victory, Negrín continued to serve as the President of the Council of Ministers for the Spanish Republican government in exile from 1939 until 1945. Based initially in France and later in Mexico, this government sought to maintain the legitimacy of the Republic and advocate for its restoration on the international stage, especially during World War II when it hoped for an Allied intervention against Franco's regime. He spent the remainder of his life in exile, eventually passing away in Paris, France, on November 12, 1956.

Juan Negrín's legacy, however, is deeply complex and remains one of the most controversial among the leaders of the Second Spanish Republic. He endured an unparalleled level of vilification, not only from Francoist historians and propagandists who portrayed him as a traitor and a communist pawn, but also from significant factions within the exiled Spanish Left. This condemnation extended even to the leadership of his own Socialist Party and notably, from his former friend and political ally, Indalecio Prieto, who became one of his fiercest critics. Negrín was frequently depicted as the principal figure responsible for the Republic's defeat in the Civil War, charged with adopting a dictatorial leadership style, accused of "selling Spain out to the Communists," and even robbing the Spanish treasury.

These accusations were often rooted in the desperate wartime decisions he was forced to make. The charge of "selling Spain out to the Communists" largely stemmed from Negrín's pragmatic decision to seek crucial military assistance from the Soviet Union, the only major power willing to arm the Republic against fascism. This necessary reliance on Soviet aid, however, inevitably increased the influence of the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) within the Republican administration and military, fueling suspicions and animosity from other Republican factions. The accusation of "robbing the Spanish treasury" is predominantly linked to the controversial "Moscow Gold" affair. In September 1936, under Negrín’s purview as Finance Minister, a substantial portion of Spain's gold reserves – estimated at approximately 510 tonnes, representing about 70% of the Bank of Spain's total reserves – was controversially transferred to the Soviet Union. This measure was intended to safeguard the Republic's assets from falling into Nationalist hands and to serve as payment for the vital military supplies needed to continue the war effort. Nevertheless, this decision became a lasting source of opprobrium and a central point of attack against his reputation.

According to the eminent historian Stanley G. Payne, a leading scholar on the Spanish Civil War, "after the end of the civil war there was no person more hated than Negrín." This profound animosity led to his expulsion from the PSOE in 1946, a remarkable disavowal by his own party. However, Negrín's historical standing underwent a significant re-evaluation in the 21st century. He was posthumously rehabilitated by the PSOE in 2008, a decision that aimed to acknowledge the immense pressures and impossible choices he faced during the final, desperate stages of the Civil War and in exile. This rehabilitation sought to rectify what was increasingly seen as an unjust condemnation, recognizing his unwavering commitment to the Republic and his persistent efforts to defend its legitimacy and secure its survival against overwhelming odds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Juan Negrín López

Who was Juan Negrín López?

Juan Negrín López was a Spanish politician and a distinguished physician, best known for serving as the Prime Minister of the Second Spanish Republic during the latter half of the Spanish Civil War (1937-1939) and as the head of the Republican government in exile until 1945.

What was Negrín's background before politics?

Before entering politics, Juan Negrín was a renowned physiologist and academic. He studied in Germany, became a professor at the Central University of Madrid, and made significant contributions to medical research and education, bringing a scientific, methodical approach to his later political career.

What significant roles did he hold during the Spanish Civil War?

Negrín first served as the Minister of Finance from 1936 to 1937 and subsequently became the Prime Minister (President of the Council of Ministers) of the Second Spanish Republic from 1937 to 1939. He was the last Loyalist premier, leading the Republican war effort against the Nationalists.

Why was Juan Negrín so controversial and vilified?

Negrín was highly controversial primarily because he was seen by many, including some within his own party and the exiled left, as responsible for the Republic's defeat. Accusations against him included a dictatorial leadership style, "selling Spain out to the Communists" due to his reliance on Soviet aid, and allegedly "robbing the Spanish treasury" in connection with the controversial transfer of Spain's gold reserves to the USSR (the "Moscow Gold" affair).

When was Juan Negrín rehabilitated by the PSOE?

Juan Negrín López was posthumously rehabilitated by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) in 2008. This decision aimed to re-evaluate his historical role and acknowledge the difficult circumstances under which he led the Republic during its final, desperate years.