The Axis and the Spanish Civil War Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
In 1935 Germany had no friends. Two years later it had two powerful ones, and its air force had practised on Spanish towns the kind of bombing that all of Europe now dreaded.
8 things to know
- Until 1935 Mussolini distrusted Hitler. The Abyssinian crisis turned Italy against Britain and France and drew the two dictators together.
- In 1936 Hitler and Mussolini reached an understanding known as the Rome–Berlin Axis.
- Also in 1936 Germany and Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact, an agreement against communism and the USSR. Italy joined it in 1937. Germany, Italy and Japan became known as the Axis powers.
- The Spanish Civil War began in 1936. Nationalist rebels, led by General Franco, fought the elected Republican government.
- Hitler and Mussolini sent help to Franco. Germany sent aircraft and pilots, known as the Condor Legion. Italy sent tens of thousands of troops.
- Britain and France followed a policy of non-intervention and did not help the Republic.
- The war gave Germany a chance to test its weapons and tactics. In April 1937 German aircraft bombed the town of Guernica, killing many civilians.
- Consequences. Franco won in 1939. Hitler and Mussolini grew closer. Hitler saw again that Britain and France would not act. And the bombing of cities terrified people across Europe, which made governments still keener to avoid war.
Worked example
Explain why Hitler became involved in the Spanish Civil War. This is a 6-mark question.
- To fight communism: the Republic had the support of the USSR, and Hitler wanted a friendly, anti-communist Spain.
- To test his forces: the war let the German air force try out new aircraft and bombing tactics in real combat.
- To gain an ally and trap France: a Nationalist Spain would be a friend on France's southern border, and working with Mussolini strengthened the Axis.
Tips and tricks
- Guernica is the event to remember from Spain. It links to appeasement: fear of bombing made people in Britain desperate to avoid war.
- The Rome–Berlin Axis and the Anti-Comintern Pact are both from 1936. Italy joined the pact in 1937.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The Axis and the Spanish Civil War: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
Who led the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War?
He won the war in 1939.
Which town was bombed by German aircraft in April 1937?
It became a symbol of the horror of bombing.
Which countries signed the Anti-Comintern Pact in 1936?
Italy joined the following year.
What policy did Britain and France follow in the Spanish Civil War?
They gave no help to the Republic.
How did the bombing of Spanish towns affect British policy towards Hitler?Stretch
People believed that bombers could destroy cities within days.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 14 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The Axis and the Spanish Civil War
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 14 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What was the Anti-Comintern Pact?[4]
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It was an agreement signed by Germany and Japan in 1936. It was directed against communism and the USSR. Italy joined in 1937. It linked the three countries that became known as the Axis powers.
Describe German involvement in the Spanish Civil War.[4]
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Hitler sent help to Franco's Nationalists. The German Condor Legion of aircraft and pilots fought in Spain. It tested new aircraft and bombing tactics. In April 1937 it bombed the town of Guernica.
Why was the Spanish Civil War important for Hitler's foreign policy?[6]
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His forces gained experience and tested their weapons, which made them more effective. He drew closer to Mussolini, who was also helping Franco. Britain and France refused to intervene, which confirmed his belief that they would not fight. The bombing of Guernica spread a fear of air raids that made appeasement more likely.
Answers: The Axis and the Spanish Civil War
- 1. It was an agreement signed by Germany and Japan in 1936. It was directed against communism and the USSR. Italy joined in 1937. It linked the three countries that became known as the Axis powers.
- 2. Hitler sent help to Franco's Nationalists. The German Condor Legion of aircraft and pilots fought in Spain. It tested new aircraft and bombing tactics. In April 1937 it bombed the town of Guernica.
- 3. His forces gained experience and tested their weapons, which made them more effective. He drew closer to Mussolini, who was also helping Franco. Britain and France refused to intervene, which confirmed his belief that they would not fight. The bombing of Guernica spread a fear of air raids that made appeasement more likely.