Foreign Intervention - Introduction

During the Spanish Civil War, both, international supporters of the Republicans, and international supporters of the Nationalists, sent aid in forms of volunteers and resources.

Above, is a propaganda poster, drawn by the Catalan painter Joan Miro in 1937, trying to encourage international mobilization for the Republicans.

The foreign countries felt that involvement in the Spanish Civil War was essential as they each had to defend the beliefs of the parties they supported. For example, the non-fascist countries, such as the Soviet Union, felt that it was important to limit the spread of fascism and so, wanted desperately to send aid to the Republicans. So, despite the Non-Intervention Agreement signed in 1936, by all European powers, there was still foreign intervention made by either countries or separate organizations.

The main parties and organizations involved in sending aid were:
- The Soviet Union
- Germany
- Italy
- The International Brigades