Spanish Civil War: Prelude to World War II

The League of Nations' Failure in Manchuria

The League of Nations demonstrated a significant weakness in its inability to prevent the Sino-Japanese conflict in Manchuria. A bombing attributed to a Chinese group on the South Manchurian Railway, under Tokyo's control as per the 1905 treaty, led to the complete occupation of Manchuria and the establishment of a puppet regime. Japan ignored complaints from both China and the League of Nations. The only penalty imposed was the non-recognition of the Japanese-backed state of Manchukuo. In response to the disarmament policies being promoted, Japan and Germany withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933.

The failure of the disarmament conference that year, attended by the United States, the USSR, Britain, and France, among others, signaled the beginning of escalating arms tensions. The economic crisis of 1929 shattered international peace efforts and contributed to the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler assumed power in 1933 with three immediate goals:

• The remilitarization of Germany, in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles.
• The unification of Germany and Austria based on a shared language (Ein Volk, ein Reich - One People, One Nation).
• The pursuit of Lebensraum, or living space, through a policy of territorial expansion.

Other nations initiated diplomatic efforts to uphold the peace established by the Treaty of Versailles and to contain Germany. In 1935, France, Britain, and Italy met to guarantee Austria's independence. Concurrently, the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia formed a mutual assistance pact against potential aggression. These agreements, however, provided Hitler with a pretext to declare the Locarno Treaties null and void, leading to the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936.

Italy's Expansion and the Policy of Appeasement

Italy, another fascist power, aimed to expand into Ethiopia. European powers remained largely passive in the face of Italy's claims, and Ethiopia was annexed in 1936, with Victor Emmanuel III proclaimed as its emperor. The prevailing sentiment was to concede minor points to avoid another global conflict.

International Involvement in the Spanish Civil War

The two factions in the Spanish Civil War received contrasting international support. Germany and Italy recognized and provided military aid to General Franco's government for political (ideological alignment), strategic (Mediterranean influence, particularly concerning southern France), and economic (access to raw materials) reasons. The USSR, starting in October 1936, sent military personnel and sold arms to the Republican government in Madrid. The Third International, established in 1919, facilitated the arrival of volunteers known as the International Brigades to support the Republic.

Western Democracies' Response

Western democracies adopted a passive stance, recognizing the Republican government until March 1939 but refraining from military support, adhering to the League of Nations' directives. The Spanish conflict was viewed as an internal matter that should not disrupt the European balance of power. Britain ensured that Italy respected Mediterranean sea lanes in exchange for recognizing Italian sovereignty over Abyssinia.

The Spanish Civil War as a Precursor to WWII

The Spanish Civil War served as a testing ground for the Second World War, which would erupt three years later. Despite being a localized conflict, foreign intervention played a crucial role in its outcome. Two distinct blocs emerged: Germany and Italy versus Soviet Russia, with France and Britain observing cautiously. Spanish governments, often marginalized by the interests of major powers, remained largely ignored on the international stage. The issues surrounding Austria and Czechoslovakia held greater sway.

In conclusion, the Spanish Civil War further exacerbated divisions among international powers, setting the stage for the larger conflict to come.