Meaning: The quote by Federica Montseny reflects the frustration and disillusionment of the Spanish anarchists with the lack of understanding and support from their international comrades during the Spanish Civil War. Federica Montseny was a prominent Spanish anarchist and feminist who served as the Minister of Health in the Spanish Republican government during the Civil War. Her words convey a sense of isolation and disappointment at the lack of solidarity from anarchists and left-wing activists across the world.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Spain became a battleground for conflicting ideologies, with the Republican government, supported by various leftist and anarchist groups, fighting against the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. The anarchists played a significant role in the early stages of the war, especially in the region of Catalonia, where they implemented their vision of a stateless society based on worker self-management and communal organization.

However, despite their efforts, the Spanish anarchists felt abandoned and misunderstood by their international comrades. Many anarchist groups and individuals in Europe and America were critical of the Republican government and its ties to the Soviet Union, leading to divisions and ideological conflicts within the anti-fascist movement. This lack of solidarity and understanding deeply affected the Spanish anarchists, who had hoped for widespread support and recognition of their revolutionary aspirations.

Montseny's quote conveys a sense of frustration at the disconnect between the idealized international solidarity among anarchists and the harsh realities of the Spanish Civil War. She suggests that if their international comrades could witness the situation in Spain firsthand, they would better understand the challenges and sacrifices faced by the Spanish anarchists. The quote implies a call for empathy and solidarity based on a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the Spanish anarchist struggle.

To fully grasp the significance of Montseny's words, it is essential to consider the broader historical context of the Spanish Civil War and the complexities of international solidarity among leftist and anarchist movements. The war in Spain became a symbol of the global struggle against fascism, attracting volunteers and activists from around the world to join the International Brigades and support the Republican cause. However, within the anti-fascist camp, there were deep ideological divisions and conflicting loyalties that often overshadowed the common goal of defeating Franco's forces.

The Spanish anarchists, who had been at the forefront of the revolutionary efforts in Catalonia and other regions, found themselves marginalized and at odds with the policies and priorities of the Republican government. The government's increasing centralization of power and its reliance on Soviet support clashed with the anarchists' vision of decentralized, grassroots revolution. This internal conflict, combined with the lack of understanding and support from their international comrades, created a sense of disillusionment and betrayal among the Spanish anarchists.

In conclusion, Federica Montseny's quote encapsulates the disillusionment and frustration experienced by the Spanish anarchists during the Civil War. It highlights the disconnect between the idealized concept of international solidarity and the harsh realities of political divisions and conflicting agendas. Montseny's words serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of revolutionary movements and the challenges of building solidarity across borders and ideologies. Understanding the historical context and the experiences of the Spanish anarchists is crucial to appreciating the significance of her call for empathy and understanding from their international comrades.