International Intervention and the Spanish Civil War Aftermath
International Support in the Spanish Civil War
The international dimension of the conflict began when the Nationalists were supported by the fascist powers, Italy and Germany, which provided equipment and troops to the insurgent army.
The Policy of Non-Intervention
In September 1936, France and England formed a Committee of Non-Intervention, joined by the major European powers. The policy of non-intervention particularly harmed the Republican government, as France and England offered no help and even kept the French border closed to shipments of Soviet material destined for Spain.
Foreign Aid to the Nationalist Faction
Germany and Italy gave full support to the rebels. German support included sending equipment and military advisers, especially aviators, exemplified by the Condor Legion. Italian aid was more significant because, in addition to material, they sent an expeditionary force, the CTV (Corpo di Truppe Volontarie), and utilized much of their fleet to serve the Nationalists, blocking Mediterranean ports and sinking ships directed toward them.
The Nationalists also benefited from the support of Portugal, especially under Salazar, and the Holy See (the bishops, in a collective carta pastoral, had regarded the war as a “crusade”). The Nationalist side also received support from numerous foreign companies, especially those in the U.S., which supplied oil and vehicles at very favorable payment terms.
International Support for the Republic
The Republic could only count on the support of the Soviet Union (USSR) and Mexico.
- Soviet Union: The USSR sent heavy military equipment requiring immediate cash payment. To make this payment, the Republic sent its gold reserves ($578,000,000) to the USSR. Furthermore, the USSR used its political influence to enhance the Communist Party (PC), which became the largest party in the Republican area, supporting the elimination of Trotskyist parties (like the POUM). Soviet aid diminished and ceased almost completely after the Munich Conference in October 1938.
- Mexico: Mexico helped the Republic by sending arms, light weapons, and food without requiring payment.
- International Brigades: The Republic had the support of all anti-fascist groups and parties worldwide, many of whom came as volunteer fighters, forming the International Brigades.
Aftermath and Consequences of the Conflict
Human Toll and Repression
Human losses were abundant. According to Salas Larrazábal, there were some 600,000 dead until 1941, including those fallen in combat, civilians, and victims of political reprisals on both sides. It is noteworthy that there were fewer deaths in combat than from the other causes (repression, bombing, or hunger). Repression remains the most controversial issue:
- Republican repression: estimated at about 55,000.
- Nationalist repression: estimated between 50,000 and 250,000.
Intellectual Exile and Refugee Crisis
To these losses must be added the exiles, whose number is difficult to define. After the fall of Catalonia alone, almost 500,000 people crossed the French border (according to Gabriel Jackson: 170,000 civilians and 300,000 soldiers). This exodus significantly affected the intellectual elites, resulting in a large number of intellectuals from all areas going into exile.
The refugees were interned by the French in concentration camps under very harsh conditions. Many exiles eventually returned to Spain; others remained in France, while many politicians, intellectuals, and scientists emigrated to the Americas, especially Mexico and Argentina.
Material and Economic Destruction
The war caused significant material losses, affecting housing and communication systems. However, it did not cause excessive destruction in industry and agriculture. While the destruction was not universally abundant, its impact was magnified after the conflict.