In the context of the Spanish Civil War, which erupted in July 1936, the newly formed war cabinet by Largo Caballero represented a crucial attempt to consolidate military and political leadership among Republican forces. Faced with the growing threat from Francisco Franco's Nationalist army, which sought to overthrow the democratically elected Spanish government, Caballero sought to strengthen cooperation among various leftist factions including Socialists, Communists, and Anarchists. His goal was to enhance coordination within the Republican camp, addressing issues such as resource allocation, military strategy, and political propaganda.

The cabinet was officially designated as the 'Ministerial Committee for War', featuring key figures from different political factions. Caballero himself, a prominent Socialist leader, stepped into the role of Prime Minister and Minister of War. His leadership was characterized by a focus on mobilization and an urgent call for international support, notably from the Soviet Union and international brigades, to assist in the struggle against the Nationalists. The cabinet's formation was essential not only for military effectiveness but also for political legitimacy, striving to present a united front to both domestic and international observers.

Despite the ambitious goals, the cabinet faced internal conflicts and tensions due to differing ideologies and strategies among its members. For instance, the Anarchists, who held strong grassroots influence and advocated for a decentralized command structure, often clashed with the more centralized strategies favored by the Socialist and Communist factions. This infighting would become a significant hurdle affecting the overall war effort for the Republicans. The war cabinet's formation marked a vital moment in the Civil War, representing both hope for a unified military response and foreshadowing the complexities of coalition governance in wartime Spain.