Evaluate the Importance of Foreign Intervention in the Spanish Civil War
Evaluate the importance of Foreign Intervention in the Spanish Civil War
Alex Reilly
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was very heavily influenced by foreign intervention. Communists, fascists and anti-fascists outside of Spain viewed the conflict between the Republicans and Nationalists in Spain as a decisive point in influencing politics in Europe. As a result of this, the fascist states of Germany and Italy sided with Franco’s nationalists, providing troops, tanks, aircraft and weapons. On the Republican side, help was received from the USSR in the form of manpower, weapons and aircraft. In addition to this, support for the Republicans also came from the International Brigades. Due to the heavy amount of outside help, the role of foreign intervention in the Spanish Civil War was of great importance as it greatly influenced the outcome of the war.
Both the Republicans and Nationalists received supplies from foreign nations. Franco’s Nationalists received the vast majority of their aid from Germany and Italy. 16,000 men, 200 tanks and 600 planes were sent to aid Franco by Hitler. In addition, Mussolini provided Franco with 75,000 men, 150 tanks and 660 aircraft. (http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/spaincw.htm#foreign) The intervention of Italy and Germany played an incredibly important role in the outcome of the war and success of Franco. “The Italian contribution to the nationalist cause was enormous. This included a major role in the blockade of Republican ports”. (Beevor) The Luftwaffe and the aircraft sent from Italy gave the Nationalists air superiority, which was vital in their victory. Furthermore, the 75,000 Italian troops were vital in the Nationalists being able to fight the war. This is due to the fact the International Brigades provided the Republicans with 50,000 men, therefore the Italian troops allowed Franco to match the Republicans in terms of manpower. (http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/spaincw.htm#foreign) This manpower also gave
Alex Reilly
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) was very heavily influenced by foreign intervention. Communists, fascists and anti-fascists outside of Spain viewed the conflict between the Republicans and Nationalists in Spain as a decisive point in influencing politics in Europe. As a result of this, the fascist states of Germany and Italy sided with Franco’s nationalists, providing troops, tanks, aircraft and weapons. On the Republican side, help was received from the USSR in the form of manpower, weapons and aircraft. In addition to this, support for the Republicans also came from the International Brigades. Due to the heavy amount of outside help, the role of foreign intervention in the Spanish Civil War was of great importance as it greatly influenced the outcome of the war.
Both the Republicans and Nationalists received supplies from foreign nations. Franco’s Nationalists received the vast majority of their aid from Germany and Italy. 16,000 men, 200 tanks and 600 planes were sent to aid Franco by Hitler. In addition, Mussolini provided Franco with 75,000 men, 150 tanks and 660 aircraft. (http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/spaincw.htm#foreign) The intervention of Italy and Germany played an incredibly important role in the outcome of the war and success of Franco. “The Italian contribution to the nationalist cause was enormous. This included a major role in the blockade of Republican ports”. (Beevor) The Luftwaffe and the aircraft sent from Italy gave the Nationalists air superiority, which was vital in their victory. Furthermore, the 75,000 Italian troops were vital in the Nationalists being able to fight the war. This is due to the fact the International Brigades provided the Republicans with 50,000 men, therefore the Italian troops allowed Franco to match the Republicans in terms of manpower. (http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/spaincw.htm#foreign) This manpower also gave
Cited: Beevor, Antony. The battle for Spain . n.d. http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles. http://www.historyhome.co.uk/europe/spaincw.htm#foreign. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/international_brigade.htm. http://www.internationalschooltoulouse.net/ibhistory/spain/phillips_ex_essay.htm. Preston, Paul. The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge . n.d.