The Spanish Civil War in the journalism of Ladislav Novomeský Cover Image

Španielska občianska vojna v publicistike Ladislava Novomeského
The Spanish Civil War in the journalism of Ladislav Novomeský

Author(s): Peter Olexák
Subject(s): History, Political history, Special Historiographies:
Published by: VERBUM - vydavateľstvo Katolíckej univerzity v Ružomberku
Keywords: Ladislav Novomeský; Spanish Civil War

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the reflection of the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) in the journalism of the Slovak intellectual, poet, and politician Ladislav Novomeský. The conflict is interpreted as a major turning point in European history that tran¬scended a domestic struggle and became a symbol of the ideological clash between democracy and fascism. The aim of the paper is to analyze how Novomeský shaped his attitudes toward the Spanish war in periodical press and to assess the significance of his writings within the Slovak cultural and political context, using the methodol¬ogy of cultural history and discourse analysis. The study highlights Novomeský’s ac¬tive engagement, from his participation in international congresses and his stay at the Spanish front to his journalistic work in DAV and other periodicals. His reports and commentaries framed the conflict primarily as an anti-fascist struggle and em¬phasized the need for international solidarity, while also serving as a polemical re¬sponse to conservative and clerical press interpretations. The analysis reveals the dual character of his writings: they provide authentic testimonies and a modern reportage style, yet are shaped by ideological perspectives and a mobilizing func¬tion. Novomeský often idealized the Republican side while downplaying its internal tensions. Nevertheless, his journalism represents an important contribution to the development of Slovak war reportage. The study also traces his later reflections in the 1960s, showing how his interpretations evolved under the influence of historical distance and broader tensions between ideology, experience, and memory.

  • Issue Year: 17/2026
  • Issue No: Supplement
  • Page Range: 148-164
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Slovak
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