The Diversion of Franco From Madrid

Franco diverts from main road to Madrid to relieve garrison of Toledo. Historians say he did this solely to boost his political prestige and help him in his bid to take over the uprising as its supreme leader. But I don't think there's any real evidence that that was why Franco diverted. He relieved Toledo, loses two or three days in the process, heads north from Madrid. What I think you're thinking of is some notion that there could be a wide encircling movement rather than a direct attack on the city. The bulk of their forces actually marched round through the old Royal Hunting Park - which still occupies a large amount of space on the west hand side of the city.