In times of crisis and public upheaval, artistic representations emerge both as a means of remembering a historical event and as a means of interpreting and overcome the past. This response is universal and, in the case of Picasso's Guernica, the emotional, social and political impact it has had and continues to have on people perpetuates its complex universality. Guernica became a symbol of pride for Republican supporters and a force to be reckoned with for General Franco and the nationalists. The massive reaction from both sides to the painting contributed to the call for European and international awareness of the Spanish Civil War and reflected horrified outrage at an immoral bloodbath - an emotion so familiar around the world that she has become an icon of the futility of war in general. The individual and shared feelings highlighted about Guernica were reflected internationally and influenced the views of subsequent generations, including my own. Although Guernica reflects a moment in history, its global impact unites people in a common understanding of war and violence that has transcended the event itself. The social and political significance of the Spanish Civil War has long been overshadowed by World War II, which began shortly afterward. I learned very little about this event during my high school education, so obviously this perspective does not represent the education and opinions of citizens of Spain, Europe and elsewhere. With this in mind, my understanding of Guernica is only a worthy representation of the Spanish Civil War when the history behind it is incorporated. Starting in 1936, conservative (nationalist) rebels led by four generals, including General Francisco Franco, fought against the newly elected...... middle of paper...... be destroyed, like Guernica, in order to weaken their opponents and maintain control. For those who opposed Franco, it was a cry for help and the beginning of a long struggle against fascism that would continue until Franco's death in 1975. Those caught between the two forces could identify with the characters' struggles as they weighed the pros. and the disadvantages of each side, debated the relationship between religious and political affiliations, and were daily approached and questioned about the seriousness of the situation. Other European countries were facing similar problems at the time, mainly fascism, communism and Nazism, which made it more difficult to focus on the needs of the Spanish people, while bringing different cultures closer together. The same goes for the opposing camp: when there is a common enemy, differences can be put aside..