In the early 1930s, Spain was embroiled in political turmoil characterized by social unrest and the rise of radical ideologies. Anarchism had gained significant traction, particularly among workers and intellectuals disillusioned with the existing political establishment. In Zaragoza, local anarchist groups, emboldened by feelings of disenfranchisement and sparked by recent political events, launched an insurrection against the government. Their objective was to seize control, dismantle state mechanisms, and establish a society based on anarchist principles of mutual aid and voluntary cooperation.

The insurrection began with protests and mobilizations led by trade unions aligned with anarchist ideologies. The activists aimed to rally the working-class populace to support radical change. However, the Spanish government, fearing the potential for widespread unrest and recognizing the need to restore order, acted swiftly. Troops were deployed to the city to quell the uprising, leading to violent confrontations on the streets.

Government forces were met with fierce resistance from the anarchist fighters. The confrontations resulted in dozens of casualties and many injuries on both sides. After several hours of violence, the government forces gained the upper hand, resulting in the arrest of numerous insurgents and the dismantling of barricades set up by the anarchists. The suppression of the insurrection marked a significant moment in Spain's struggle against anarchism during a time of increasing tension leading up to the Spanish Civil War.