International interference

Very rapidly the outbreak of civil war in Spain caught international attention. This is hardly a surprise for Europe in 1936, but actions taken by the various powers are not all that obvious. It is important to note here that the world reacted to a coup rather than a full-scale civil war.

England, France and the Western democratic world

After the military rising France’s prime minister was quick to declare support for the republican cause. However, France was dependent on Britain and by pressure from London and French right-wing forces he was quick to take his words back. Britain, still wary from WOI, was shaping appeasement-policy. As a result the French and British proposed a common non-intervention policy. This treaty was signed by many nations, including Germany, Italy and the Soviet Union’all of who failed to keep their promise. The non-intervention policy effectively isolated the Spanish republican movement.

Officially the Western world would not intervene, but it was far from passive. The British navy silently helped the nationalist movement by blocking republican trade ships or passing information to the nationalists. American and British business, having great stakes in the young Spanish economy, provided passive or active support to the nationalists with money, oil and obscuring Republican trade. Finally, many volunteers fought alongside the republican movement in the now famous international brigades: 35,000 volunteers from 53 countries, mostly French but also including Scandinavians, Poles and even Mexicans.

Germany and Italy

General Franco was quick to turn to its natural fascist German and Italian allies for help. Why did they help him? Of course Fascist Spain would be a great advantage in an eventual war with France, but there was more to it. Let’s start with Mussolini:

• Mussolini, seeking glory and grandeur, had promised to do so as early as 1934;
• Spreading Fascism and Italian influence fitted Italian Mare Nostrum (Our Sea)-policy. It would help keep the British out of their mediterranean backyard.

German diplomats initially refused to help, but Hitler personally overruled them for several reasons:

• It was an ideal opportunity to test his innovative, young army
• Spain possessed many natural resources important for German war industry
• It was good for drawing away attention from other German activities in Europe
• As Germany was at this stage not quite the European powerhouse, it would help it form closer bonds with Italy. Here, the ‘axis’ is formed.

German aid consisted mainly of military advice, materials and logistic support, but Hitler also sent the Condor Legion, a highly advanced air combat unit. Italy sent more troops and ground forces. In total, Germany sent some 20,000 and Italy some 80,000 men to Spain.

Russia

Stalin, unlike the exiled Trotsky, was not as much interested in spreading communism as in the general interests of the Soviet Union. As he was about to purge the Red Army of disloyal officers an international adventure that would most certainly offend all his potential European allies (Britain, France) and enemies (Germany) was highly inconvenient.

Still he realised that failing to support Spanish communists would make the Soviet Union and international communism lose all its credibility. Therefore he decided to help the Republic, only just not enough to actually let it win the war. All over the Soviet Union, people would ‘spontaneously volunteer or donate’ in support of the Spanish communist cause.