Spain

1936–1939: The Spanish Civil War

July 1936 – April 1939 · 1 battle

In July 1936 part of the Spanish army rose against the Popular Front government. The coup did not succeed at once and turned into a three-year civil war between General Franco’s Nationalists and the Republicans. Germany and Italy sent the Nationalists aircraft, troops and equipment, the USSR supported the Republic, and Britain and France pursued a policy of non-intervention. Spain became a proving ground for the coming war: the Condor Legion tested its aircraft and tactics there, and the bombing of Guernica foreshadowed total war against civilians.

17 July 1936 – 1 April 1939Key battleThe Spanish Civil WarFrom July 1936 to April 1939 Franco's Nationalists, backed by Germany and Italy, fought the Soviet-supported Republic. Hundreds of thousands died.