A civil war signifies a nation torn apart, embroiled in a fierce battle against itself. Such conflicts may erupt between clearly distinct factions, yet often, they weave a more intricate tapestry of discord. The Spanish Civil War stands as a testament to this complexity. It shattered bonds, severing friendships and tearing families asunder. As Spaniards chose their allegiances, enduring friendships vanished, siblings turned irrevocably against one another, and parents were wrenched apart from their offspring.

Amidst this turmoil, many engaged in the conflict employed merciless strategies, donning the mantle of espionage, betraying former friends, and more. In essence, Spaniards on both sides bore the sting of profound betrayals, coupled with the conviction that their opponents were undermining the very future of Spain. The frequent mentioning of Lorca's death in his hometown by Machado underscores the treachery he suffered at the hands of his own kin, echoing the pervasive sentiment of betrayal that gripped Spain during that era.

Machado's echoing reminder that Lorca met his end on the very soil of his birthplace imbues the narrative with an air of collective remorse for the people of Granada. It suggests that somehow, the townsfolk could have shielded their prodigious son from such a grim fate. Furthermore, Machado weaves shame into his verses, deeply rooted in his steadfast political beliefs. He was disheartened by the looming specter of General Francisco Franco's fascist ascendancy. Franco, a figure entwined with the likes of Germany's Adolf Hitler and Italy's Benito Mussolini, sought to seize Spain in his authoritarian grip, extinguishing the democratic flame that had once flickered brightly.

For Machado, especially, the Spaniards rallying behind Franco should bear the weight of their actions with profound disgrace. They were enabling a ruler pledged to halt the momentum of Spain's political and cultural evolution. Machado's sentiments cast a shadow on those who aligned with Franco, foreseeing the stagnation that would mar the country's vibrant legacy.

The Spanish Civil War remains etched in history as a conflict drenched in bloodshed, infamous not only for merciless assassinations such as that of Lorca but for a plethora of other horrors. Among these, the obliteration of the town of Guernica in a devastating bombing raid stands out—a calamity that claimed countless civilian lives. This tragedy inspired one of the most iconic creations by the illustrious Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, a somber black-and-white canvas titled Guernica, mirroring the town's name.

Within this painting's stark simplicity, one finds echoes in the austere poetic expressions crafted by Machado in "The Crime Was in Granada." His choice of words mirrors the cruelty of the described events. Through the poet's eyes, Lorca's assassination is not just an act of murder but a "crime" against humanity, vividly portrayed with an unflinching description of Lorca's lifeless form, marked by "lead in his stomach, blood on his face."