Typology of reasons why a person kills in a war context: The case of rebel/nationalist army combatants in the Spanish Civil War.

This article investigates the motivations behind violent actions committed by ordinary combatants in the Spanish Civil War, focusing on a qualitative analysis of 112 oral interviews with former rebel (nationalist) soldiers born between 1905 and 1920. It identifies four primary factors influencing acts of violence: fascist or proto-fascist ideological convictions, sensation-seeking linked to masculinity and rites of passage, duty-driven obedience and fear, and peer pressure within military units. The study emphasizes that no single explanation suffices; rather, these factors interact within the broader context of war and survival, shaping individuals who were both perpetrators and victims of violence. The findings also highlight the psychological complexities faced by combatants, offering insights relevant to contemporary approaches in caring for war-affected individuals.