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The Mysterious Origins of the Fifth Column: How was it born in the Spanish Civil War?
The term "fifth column" first appeared during the early stages of the Spanish Civil War and immediately attracted widespread attention. In the Spanish conflict, the term is used to describe those who undermine a country or group from within, often by supporting hostile forces from outside. The concept encompasses both covert operations and more overt acts of rebellion, making it a topic fraught with suspicion and controversy.
"The fifth column is an act that uses internal support to assist external attacks, whether overtly or covertly."
The term "fifth column" first appeared in 1936, during the early days of the Spanish Civil War. The term's origins are controversial, and historians have yet to agree on its precise origins. It can be traced back to a secret telegram of September 30, 1936, by German diplomat Hans Hermann Fulks, who referred to a "hypothetical statement" that "during the attack on Madrid Among the four national columns, there is also a fifth column that is ready to move internally."
“As the Spanish Civil War developed, the concept of the ‘fifth column’ also developed and became widely spread.”
Since then, the term has been adopted by many media outlets, especially republican newspapers. Communist propagandist Dolores Ibaruri mentioned a similar statement in a newspaper of October 3, 1936, and attributed it to General Emilio Mora. Over time, the term's popularity reached new heights, and the media began warning people to beware of this mysterious "fifth column." The popularity of this concept made many people distrust those around them, which was a microcosm of the political environment at the time.
Not only during the Spanish Civil War, the term also became particularly important during World War II. As the United States becomes more deeply involved in US and European affairs, its vigilance against the behavior of the "fifth column" has reached a climax. In June 1940, Life magazine published a set of photos about "the signs of the Nazi fifth column that can be seen everywhere." In Britain, Churchill spoke of the need for a strong crackdown on fifth column behavior in his speech to Parliament.
"Everyone is looking for internal betrayers and will show no mercy to any suspected members of the sixth column."
Under this situation, the concept of "fifth column" is widely used in various situations. For example, the New York Times noted in August 1940 that "fear of the fifth column has become a national phenomenon," and many other reports explored the connections between different countries and their transformation processes. Even as some argue that the use of the term "fifth column" has become obscured, deep-seated fears still drive suspicion and unease within the ranks.
Over time, the term "fifth column" has also been used to refer to groups and individuals that cause controversy in society. This includes allegations of racial and political tensions that exist around the world today. In Israel, for example, Arabs are often viewed by some Israelis as the fifth column, especially in the conflict with the Palestinians. The use of such labels not only reflects differences in political stances, but also triggers deeper social conflicts.
In addition, this concept has also been quoted in the contemporary political field, especially during the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2022, when Putin labeled opponents as the fifth column, which triggered discussions about domestic loyalty. The term's use, from the beginnings of the Civil War to current global politics, has continued to evolve, making its meaning increasingly ambiguous but still having a strong emotional connection.
“With social and political unrest, the meaning of the ‘fifth column’ remains and continues to evolve.”
As history shows, the etymology and usage of "fifth column" are constantly changing, symbolizing the social psychology and political climate of different eras. The term triggers ongoing reflections on loyalty and betrayal, and promotes awareness of one's own environment and its potential threats. As the term continues to exist in the public consciousness, we cannot help but ask: in today's globalized society, can this term still arouse people's thought and vigilance as it did when it began?
