The Catalonia Offensive was a decisive military campaign in the Spanish Civil War, culminating in the capture of Barcelona by nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. This offensive began in late 1938 as Franco aimed to seize control of the remaining Republican-held territories in Catalonia. The nationalists were bolstered by significant Italian military support, which included troops, aircraft, and military supplies under the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. The attack on Barcelona was intensively planned and executed, with nationalists employing overwhelming force to break the defenses of the city.

Barcelona had been a major stronghold for the Republicans and its capture on January 26, 1939, marked a substantial blow to the Republican cause. The operation saw full-scale aerial bombardments and ground assaults that led to chaos and civilian displacement. As the nationalists entered the city, they were met with both resistance and a wave of resignation from the war-weary populace. The fall of Barcelona effectively signified the end of organized Republican defense in Catalonia, leading to a wave of surrenders across the region.

The fall of Barcelona was not just a military victory; it also symbolized the collapse of hopes for a democratic Spain in the face of Franco's authoritarian regime. The nationalists’ control over Catalonia signified the consolidation of Franco’s power. Following the capture, the remnants of Republican forces retreated towards France, while many civilians faced repression and persecution at the hands of Franco’s troops. This event would precede the official end of the Spanish Civil War later that year, laying the groundwork for almost four decades of Francoist dictatorship.