The call for a general strike by the CNT and UGT on July 19, 1936, came as a response to the attempted coup d'état by Francisco Franco and his allies, which aimed to overthrow the democratically elected Second Spanish Republic. As news spread that the military had risen against the government, the CNT and UGT mobilized workers to defend the republic and their rights. In cities such as Barcelona, workers took to the streets, seizing factories and arms to establish a defensive front. Spontaneity characterized the mobilization, with thousands of workers forming militias and barricading themselves to confront the Nationalist forces, which were well-equipped and organized. The revolutionary fervor that followed represented a unique moment in the conflict, as workers experienced a degree of social autonomy, attempting to implement egalitarian principles in the face of an existential threat. Both labor unions contributed significantly to the formation of these militias, emphasizing their commitment to the defense of the republic against fascism. The event initiated a radical shift in the nature of the Spanish Civil War, where ideological divisions among factions became pronounced, as various groups such as anarchists, socialists, and communists each held differing views about the future of Spain. In the following days and weeks, the CNT and UGT further organized their efforts, leading to confrontations against Franco's forces. This general strike not only represented immediate resistance but also marked the beginning of a broader, complex struggle for the hearts and minds of the Spanish population.