The establishment of the Interprovincial Council of Asturias and León marked a pivotal moment during the Spanish Civil War, a conflict that erupted in July of the same year, splitting Spain into factions of republicans and nationalists. As fighting intensified, the leaders of Asturias and León sought to improve local governance and coordinate military and civil responses against the advancing nationalist forces. The council's formation aimed to provide a structured approach to non-military aspects of the war, including the organization of resources, economic management, and civil defense. It allowed for a unified regional response, which was critical given the strategic importance of Asturias, known for its industrial output, especially coal mining, which was vital for the war effort.

The council included representatives from various political factions, predominantly leftist parties like the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and anarchists, symbolizing the broad spectrum of the anti-fascist coalition. The efforts of the council emphasized the desire for autonomy among different regions while still contributing to a unified republican front. However, the dynamics within the council and among the various factions sometimes led to internal conflicts, affecting the overall military strategy against the nationalist troops commanded by General Francisco Franco.

As the conflict drew on, the council faced immense challenges due to external pressures from the nationalist forces and internal political strife, which would ultimately influence the course of the civil war and the governance of the region. The council’s provisional governmental structure served as a model for other regions and demonstrated the importance of local governance amidst national strife.