Origins & Early Life

Emilio Mola y Vidal (9 July 1887 – 3 June 1937) was a Spanish military officer who was one of the three leaders of the revolt coup of July 1936 that started the Spanish Civil War. After the death of José Sanjurjo on 20 July 1936, Mola commanded the Nationalists in the north of Spain, while Franco operated in the south. Attempting to take Madrid with his four columns, Mola praised local Nationalist sympathizers within the city as a "fifth column", possibly the first use of that phrase. He died in a plane crash in bad weather, leaving Franco as the pre-eminent Nationalist leader for the rest of the war.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

It was suspected that his death was a result of sabotage, although this has never been proven. Mola was born in Placetas, Cuba, at that time an overseas Spanish province, where his father, Emilio Mola López, a captain in the Civil Guard and noted as a harsh disciplinarian, was stationed. His mother, Ramona Vidal Caro, had been born in Cuba and was of Catalan origin. The Cuban War of Independence split his family; while his father served in the Spanish forces, his maternal uncle Leoncio Vidal was a leading revolutionary fighter. His family relocated to Girona...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alexander Borodin — Contemporary (Died in 1887) (1887): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Arthur Rubinstein — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Master Polish and American pianist, celebrated for his interpretations of Chopin and classical repertoire.
• Bernard Montgomery — Contemporary (Born in 1887) (1887): Senior British Army officer, famed for his command in WWII, especially North Africa.
• Alain Badiou — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
• Andrew Mellon — Contemporary (Died in 1937) (1937): American banker, industrialist, and politician who served as Secretary of the Treasury.
• Anthony Hopkins — Contemporary (Born in 1937) (1937): Esteemed Welsh actor celebrated for powerful stage and screen performances.
• Aaron Sorkin — Shared historical date (06-09 · Born) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Ambrogio Lorenzetti — Shared historical date (06-09 · Died) (1348): Master painter of the Sienese school, known for allegorical and naturalistic works.
• Alain Resnais — Shared historical date (06-03 · Born) (1922): Pioneering French filmmaker exploring memory, consciousness, and narrative structure.
• Allen Ginsberg — Shared historical date (06-03 · Born) (1926): Pioneering American poet, central figure of the Beat Generation, known for 'Howl'.
• 1887 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1887
• June 9 (06-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 9
• 1937 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1937
• June 3 (06-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 3