American Friends of Spanish Democracy records, 1935-1939.

Links

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Creator

American Friends of Spanish Democracy.

Location

Manuscripts and Archives Division

Extent

• 3.2 linear feet (8 boxes).

Access Restrictions

Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.

Scope/Contents Note

Collection consists of correspondence, publicity files andprinted matter relating to the American Friends of SpanishDemocracy. General correspondence concerns fundraising, enlistment of support for the Loyalist cause, attempts to organize a delegation of prominent Americans to visit Spain, and the revision of American policy toward Spain. Correspondence includes file of minutes of executive committee meetings. Bombings protest correspondence is with clergymen and concerns the endorsement of protests against the bombings of civilian populations. Neutrality correspondence contains copies of letters protesting the arms embargo imposed on Spain under the Neutrality Acts. Publicity files include press releases, form letters, clippings, and printed matter created or collected by the American Friends of Spanish Democracy.

Biographical/Historical Note

The American Friends of Spanish Democracy (originally called Friends of Spanish Democracy) was founded in New York City in 1936 by a group of clergymen and intellectuals under the leadership of Roger Baldwin, a member of the executive committee, and Bishop Robert L. Paddock, the chairman. John Dewey was named vice-chairman but his role appears to have been largely honorific. The objective of the organization was to arouse support for the Loyalist government during the Spanish Civil War. By organizing public appeals, petitions and letters of protest and by disseminating information on the situation in Spain, it hoped to counteract the effects of fascist propaganda and bring pressure on the U.S. President and Congress to end the arms embargo against Spain. It also raised funds for medical aid and refugee relief which weredistributed by the North American Committee to Aid SpanishDemocracy. By decision of its executive committee the organization was dissolved in 1939.

Controlled Access Terms

• American Friends of Spanish Democracy.
• Bombing, Aerial -- Spain.
• Embargo -- Spain.
• Neutral trade with belligerents.
• Refugees -- Spain.
• Spain -- History -- Civil War, 1936-1939.

Additional Creator Names

• Baldwin, Roger Nash, 1884-
• Benét, Stephen Vincent, 1898-1943.
• Bynner, Witter, 1881-1968.
• Chase, Stuart, 1888-
• Dewey, John, 1859-1952.
• Dos Passos, John, 1896-1970.
• Fisher, Dorothy Canfield, 1879-1958.
• Frank, Waldo David, 1889-1967.
• Hankemeyer, Natalie.
• Holmes, John Haynes, 1879-1964.
• Hull, Cordell, 1871-1955.
• MacLeish, Archibald, 1892-1982.
• Mumford, Lewis, 1895-1990.
• Nearing, Scott, 1883-
• Paddock, Robert Lewis, 1869-1939.
• Russell, Charles Edward, 1860-1941.
• Seldes, George, 1890-1995.
• Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968.
• White, William Allen, 1868-1944.
• American Committee on Spanish Relief.
• Friends of Spanish Democracy.
• North American Committee to Aid Spanish Democracy.