The bombing of Alicante on May 25, 1938, marked a significant moment in the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 until 1939. Conducted by nationalist troops, this aerial bombardment targeted civilian infrastructure and aimed to undermine the Republican government’s control. Alicante, known for its picturesque coastline and strategic maritime significance, was already under considerable pressure as the Nationalists sought to expand their territory on the eastern front. The attack resulted in the devastation of neighborhoods and left 313 people dead, with many more injured. The air raid employed tactics reminiscent of the more notorious bombings seen elsewhere in Europe, where civilian populations were deliberately targeted to instill fear and force a retreat of troops.The action drew immediate criticism both domestically and internationally, amplifying the discourse on the impact of aerial warfare on civilians. Photographs and reports of the aftermath proliferated, raising global awareness of the conflict’s grim realities. The bombing also intensified efforts among international volunteer brigades and supporters of the Republican cause, who rallied together in solidarity against the Nationalist advance. The political and humanitarian implications of this event reinforced the contentious narratives surrounding both factions in the war and the emerging patterns of total war that would negatively affect civilian life.After the bombing, public opinion within Spain began to shift, and such acts contributed to the narrative surrounding the brutality of Franco's forces. Alicante remained partially destabilized, illustrating the humanitarian toll and the psychological warfare at play in the broader Spanish Civil War. The repercussions of the bombing were felt long after, as the city struggled to recover and rebuild during a period of increasing repression and conflict under nationalist rule.