International Impact of the Spanish Civil War

International Dimension of the Spanish Civil War

The "war in Spain", as it became known internationally, was perceived as a conflict between fascism and democracy, and even a clash between fascism, democracy, and communism. It was believed that in Spain, a battle was being waged that many feared would spread worldwide. For all these reasons, international opinion was divided from the very beginning.

Global Political Perspectives

Progressive Democrats were in favor of the Republic. In France, which also had a Popular Front government, the majority supported the Republic (except for extreme right-wing groups). However, at the governmental level, France preferred not to provide direct aid. In Britain, the Conservative government saw the military uprising as a way to slow the spread of communism; since the Russian Revolution, there was a greater fear of communism than of fascism.

Traditional Catholicism favored the coup and the rebels, except for certain groups of progressive Catholics. The Vatican was slow to act but eventually sided with Franco. Labor parties around the world, led by the Soviet Union, were in favor of the Republic.

Foreign Aid and Military Support

From the beginning of the fight, both the rebels and the government of the Republic called for foreign military and political support.

Support for Franco's Rebels

Franco's rebels were the most favored by foreign support, receiving airplanes, tanks, artillery, rifles, ammunition, and men. Key supporters included:

• Germany: Sent its aviation (the Condor Legion) and used the war to test new weapons. Germany was compensated with minerals and other strategic goods.
• Italy: Sent the Corps of Volunteer Troops and various weapons.
• Portugal: Under the fascist dictatorship of Oliveira Salazar, Portugal also sent volunteer troops.
• Other Nationalities: Irish and other volunteers also assisted the rebel cause.

The Republic's Struggle for Aid

The Republic faced a much harder path. It first sought help from France in the final days of July 1936 (requesting aircraft, artillery, and oil) and later established an agreement with the USSR for the supply of oil and military equipment.

The Policy of Non-Intervention

Britain advocated a policy of appeasement toward Nazi Germany and wanted to avoid an international armed conflict between fascists and communists at all costs. Consequently, Britain notified France that if they intervened in Spain, Britain would not support French foreign policy against the threat of Hitler.

France submitted to these demands and urged the creation of a Non-Intervention Committee. Established in early August in London, it included 27 countries. Although it did not prevent the two sides from receiving foreign aid—as Germany, Italy, and the USSR were all represented—it primarily served as a way for nations to monitor each other during a pre-war period.

The policy of non-intervention was a significant injustice to the Republic and a primary reason for its defeat. It denied a legally constituted state its right to acquire arms to defend itself against an uprising from its own army.