Foreign Intervention - Germany

The friendship between the Franco and Hitler started from the 25th of July 1936, when the Hitler agreed to support the Nationalists. Immediately after the request, Hitler sent 20 transport planes to Franco. Later in the war, he provided the Nationalists with artillery, small arms, tanks and vehicles. Most importantly, he offered full support by offering the Nationalists the help of the German airforce.

These forces were signicant to many victories of the Nationalist, including the victory in Guernica.

<-- Ruins of Guernica after German bombing

Hitler publicly justified his actions, by declaring that it was necessary to stop "communist barbarism".

However, his real motives behind sending aid became clearer as the war progressed:
- The support he sent to the Nationalists meant that Germany had a closer connection with Italy
- If the Nationalists were to win, Germany would have enforced his alliance with Britain and France
- The instability of Spain was also beneficial to Germany as she was on the southern border to France
- If there was a Nationalist victory, Germany would obtain access to Spanish natural resources such as iron, copper, mercury and pyrites which were essential for arms production.
- Sending aid to Spain meant that Hitler could also test his commanders, weapons and tactics, in preparation for future conflicts

"A total of 19,000 Germans served in the Spanish Civil War. Of these, 298 were lost, with 173 being killed by the enemy. This included 102 aircrew, 27 fighter pilots and 21 anti-aircraft crew. A large number were killed in accidents and others died of illness. The Condor Legion lost 72 aircraft to enemy action. Another 160 were lost in flying accidents."
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/SPgermany.htm