3.5.7

Germany & Italy in the Spanish War

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Germany and Italy in the Spanish Civil War

Germany and Italy supported Franco's forces in the Spanish Civil War through military aid and propaganda between 1936-1939.

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Spanish Civil War

  • The Spanish Civil War started in 1936.
  • The war was between Republicans and Nationalists.
    • Nationalists wanted to overthrow the Republican government.
  • Germany and Italy supported the Nationalists.
    • Germany and Italy wanted to gain influence in Spain.
  • The war lasted until 1939.
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Germany's support for Franco

  • Germany under Hitler sent troops and planes to Spain.
  • The German air force was called the Luftwaffe.
    • The Luftwaffe bombed cities in support of Franco.
  • Germany tested new weapons and tactics in Spain.
  • The Condor Legion was the German unit in Spain.
  • Germany's support helped the Nationalists win key battles.
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Italy's role

  • Italy under Mussolini sent thousands of soldiers to Spain.
    • Italy provided planes, tanks, and weapons to Franco.
  • Italy used the war to expand its military experience.
  • Italian forces fought in major battles alongside Nationalists.
  • Italy aimed to spread fascism across Europe.
  • Italy's help strengthened Franco's forces.

Germany and Italy in the Spanish Civil War

Germany and Italy supported Franco's forces in the Spanish Civil War through military aid and propaganda between 1936-1939.

Illustrative background for Germany and Italy involvement Illustrative background for Germany and Italy involvement  ?? "content

Germany and Italy involvement

  • Germany and Italy's support gave the Nationalists an advantage.
  • The Republican forces lacked similar external help.
  • The war became a testing ground for World War II tactics.
  • The bombing of Guernica by Germany shocked the world.
  • This involvement deepened the alliance between Germany and Italy.
  • Franco's victory was largely due to foreign aid.
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Legacy of the war

  • Germany and Italy's involvement influenced Spanish politics for decades.
  • Germany and Italy strengthened their alliance through Spain.
  • The war foreshadowed the tactics used in World War II.
  • Franco ruled Spain as a dictator until 1975.
  • The Spanish Civil War showed the danger of foreign intervention.
  • The conflict shaped European history before World War II.
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Key dates and figures

  • 1936: Spanish Civil War begins.
  • 1937: Bombing of Guernica by the German Condor Legion.
  • 1939: Franco declares victory and becomes Spain's dictator.
  • Adolf Hitler led Germany's intervention.
  • Benito Mussolini led Italy's intervention.
  • Francisco Franco led the Nationalist forces.

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