In the face of escalating violence and Nationalist forces closing in, the republican government realized that remaining in Madrid was no longer tenable. The decision to relocate to Valencia was both a pragmatic and strategic choice aimed at safeguarding the leadership and continuity of the republican government. This retreat was not merely a withdrawal; it highlighted a critical moment in the Spanish Civil War when the republicans needed to consolidate their strength away from the immediate battlefield. Valencia, with its fortified position and established governance structures, became the new center of anti-fascist strategy.

Simultaneously, as leaders evacuated, the power structure within Madrid began to shift. The Madrid Defense Council was formed as a response to this vacuum of authority. Its creation was significant as it aimed to maintain the resolve of the defenders and coordinate military and civilian efforts against the advances of Francisco Franco's Nationalists. Notable figures within the council included both military leaders and civilian politicians, underscoring the collaborative effort required to fend off the looming threat. The council's actions would play a crucial role in managing the defense and rallying the local populace to support the republic.

This period was marked by intense military confrontations and the struggle for control of the city. The council took measures to organize local defenses and appealed to international brigades for assistance, revealing the complex nature of alliances and the international dimension of the civil conflict. Valencia's selection not only represented a geographical shift but also indicated a new phase in the struggle between republican and Nationalist forces, where the balance of power was continuously in flux.