The Spanish Civil War
Spanish Civil War
A conflict (1936-1939) fought in Spain between the Republicans, who supported the democratically elected government, and the Nationalists, a coalition of conservative forces led by General Francisco Franco. Fueled by political polarization, economic hardship, and social unrest, the war became an international proxy conflict involving fascist Italy and Nazi Germany supporting the Nationalists, while the Soviet Union aided the Republic. The Nationalist victory resulted in Franco's authoritarian rule lasting until 1975.