Foreign Aid and Intervention in the Spanish Civil War

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International Repercussions of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War had significant international implications. While national powers feared Hitler, they were also wary of the Soviet Union. Many believed that only Germany could halt the spread of revolution. When the war began, Hitler and Mussolini agreed to provide military aid requested by Franco and Mola. In this situation, the Republican government, led by Leon Blum, asked José Giral (France) for the sale of weapons to crush the uprising. He initially accepted, but the British government soon pressured him to change his policy. Baldwin did not favor the Republican government and was unwilling to enter into a European conflict. This led to the policy of non-intervention.

Policy of Non-Intervention

The war deeply divided international public opinion. Both sides received aid in the form of weapons and soldiers. England and France established a policy of neutrality, which was joined by approximately thirty countries, including Germany, Italy, Portugal, and the USSR. The intention was to prevent the war from becoming global. A Non-Intervention Committee was formed to monitor the implementation of the agreements, but it failed, as Italy and Germany aided the rebels from the outset. Germany, Italy, France, and England were responsible for controlling the supply of materials by land and sea to both sides. While the rebels continued to receive arms, the Republicans faced significant difficulties. Non-intervention was, in effect, a farce.

Aid to the Rebels

The fascist dictators supported the rebels from the beginning, a key factor in their eventual victory:

  • Germany: Provided the most significant military aid. Directly involved with the shipment of the Condor Legion, consisting of aircraft, artillery, and tanks that operated independently.
  • Italy: Supplied aircraft, artillery, and tanks. Their contribution in men and money was greater than Germany's. Voluntary Corps troops played a significant role in several battles.
  • Portugal: Offered diplomatic assistance and sent volunteers.
  • Vatican: Bishops supported Franco's "Crusade," and Pope Pius XI recognized the new Franco regime.

Assistance to the Republic

  • USSR: Initially signed the Treaty of Non-Intervention, believing that Germany and Italy would cease their aid. When this proved false, Stalin agreed to the request for military assistance made by the government of Largo Caballero in October 1936. The arrival of these shipments became increasingly difficult due to the Non-Intervention Committee's prohibitions and the sinking of merchant ships by German and Italian submarines. The only remaining option was to unload ships in French Mediterranean ports and transport the supplies by train to Catalonia, which functioned for only a few months.
  • Mexico: From the beginning, provided weapons, food, and diplomatic support.
  • International Volunteers: Approximately 60,000 international volunteers participated, many of whom were incorporated into the militia and the army. The most significant groups were the International Brigades, which played a decisive role in many battles, such as Jarama and the Ebro.

In September 1938, the Munich Conference took place. The Munich Agreements enshrined the policy of appeasement towards fascist policies. Far from preventing war, this policy fueled it.

Consequences of the War

The Spanish Civil War has remained in the memory of the Spanish people throughout the years. The new regime made its victory clear, never agreeing to any reconciliation. Only with the return of democracy could this chapter of history be considered closed.

In addition to deaths on the front lines and repression, there were also the wounded, prisoners, and those executed.

  • The birth rate declined.
  • The economy was severely affected. Human losses impacted the active workforce.
  • Infrastructure was destroyed, leading to decreased crop production, livestock, and industrial output.
  • Part of the bank's resources were used to pay the USSR.
  • Franco owed Germany and Italy for the supplies they had provided.
  • Spain entered a phase of stagnation that did not end until the 1950s.
  • Many of the best minds and scientists went into exile.

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