Meaning: The quote by Frederica Montseny, a prominent Spanish anarchist, reflects the complex and often misunderstood position of the Spanish Anarchists during the Spanish Civil War. The quote suggests that there was a lack of understanding and perhaps even criticism from other anarchists around the world about the actions and decisions of the Spanish Anarchists during this tumultuous period in history.

During the Spanish Civil War, which took place from 1936 to 1939, the Spanish Anarchists played a significant role in the Republican side of the conflict. They were part of a broader coalition of left-wing and anti-fascist forces fighting against the Nationalist faction led by General Francisco Franco. The Spanish Anarchists, who were organized under the banner of the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) and the Federación Anarquista Ibérica (FAI), sought to establish a society based on anarchist principles, including worker self-management and the abolition of the state.

However, the actions and decisions of the Spanish Anarchists during the war were often controversial and subject to criticism from both within and outside the anarchist movement. Montseny's quote captures the frustration and perhaps the sense of isolation felt by the Spanish Anarchists in the face of this criticism and lack of understanding.

One of the key points of contention was the Spanish Anarchists' participation in the Republican government and their collaboration with other leftist groups, including the Spanish Communist Party. This alliance was seen as a pragmatic decision to present a united front against the Nationalist forces, but it also led to compromises and conflicts with the pure anarchist principles of the CNT-FAI. The Spanish Anarchists found themselves in a difficult position, trying to balance the pursuit of their revolutionary goals with the practical necessities of war and governance.

The Spanish Anarchists' involvement in the government also raised questions about the nature of power and authority, as they were forced to navigate the complexities of governing while maintaining their anti-authoritarian principles. This led to internal divisions within the anarchist movement and strained relationships with other anarchist groups around the world who viewed their participation in the state as a betrayal of anarchist ideals.

Montseny's quote highlights the challenges faced by the Spanish Anarchists in communicating and justifying their actions to their fellow anarchists in other parts of the world. It reflects the difficulty of reconciling revolutionary ideology with the harsh realities of war and political struggle. The quote also suggests a plea for understanding and solidarity from the broader anarchist movement, despite the differences in approach and strategy.

In conclusion, Frederica Montseny's quote captures the complexity and challenges faced by the Spanish Anarchists during the Spanish Civil War. It reflects the tensions and misunderstandings that arose from their decisions and actions, as well as their struggle to maintain their anarchist principles in the midst of a brutal and chaotic conflict. The quote serves as a reminder of the nuances and difficulties inherent in revolutionary movements, and the importance of understanding and solidarity within the broader anarchist community.