Many historians believe that World War II began in Spain and was triggered by the international community’s «policy of appeasement» toward Nazism and fascism. Let’s look back at history and draw parallels and comparisons with the present day:

The year is 1936, the time when the civil war began. The form of government is a republic without a monarch, as provided for in the 1931 Constitution. A democratic government is in power—the Popular Front, which had won the most recent elections. It is supported by the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, and the Republican Left of Catalonia.

It is important to note that this was preceded by a period of democratic governance from 1931 to 1933, during which the monarchy was abolished and significant progressive changes were implemented (in education, a fully liberal and secular system was adopted, prohibiting the Church from engaging in educational activities; agrarian reform allowed for the expropriation of 86,000 hectares by 1933 and the settlement of 8,600 landless families, etc.). However, the government also faces harsh criticism from the right (the Church, monarchists, landowners, and the military), as well as from the left (for expelling the «moderates» from the government).

The Spanish Civil War began on July 17, 1936, and lasted until April 1, 1939. The rebels were led by General Francisco Franco, who (after his victory) proclaimed himself dictator and ruled until November 1975 (36 years)…

The following people openly supported Franco:

-Nazi Germany (sent military supplies, the Condor Legion with 16,000 soldiers, transported the Spanish Army of Africa to mainland Spain, while the German Air Force participated in bombings such as that of Guernica)

-Fascist Italy (provided the nationalists with 50,000 soldiers, 660 aircraft, 150 tanks, 800 artillery pieces, 10,000 machine guns, and 240,000 rifles. The Royal Italian Navy played a significant role in the blockade of the Mediterranean).

-Portugal under dictator Salazar (supplied ammunition and logistical support, and sent the «Viriatos» volunteer force of 20,000 soldiers).

-Also, the Church, the monarchy, and the wealthy in Spain …

The elected government of Spain was supported by:

-The International Brigades (approximately 40,000 foreigners from 53 countries, including 250 Greeks).

-The Soviet Union (provided military supplies even though Stalin had signed the Non-Intervention Pact regarding the Spanish Civil War, while approximately 1,000 Soviets took part in the fighting).

-Mexico (contributed $2 million and 20,000 rifles with 20 million rounds of ammunition. Its most significant contribution, however, was the protection of 50,000 refugees).

-On a social level, it dominated urban areas (where workers supported it wholeheartedly), Catalonia, and the Basque Country.

It is interesting to note that the left-wing French government under Léon Blum did not provide substantial support to the Spanish democrats. It sent military supplies, but on August 21, 1936, it also signed the Non-Intervention Pact…

Most historians believe that the civil war was determined by the fear and apathy of European democratic governments toward Hitler and Mussolini. France, in particular, had been officially warned by the Nazi government that supporting the Republicans would be considered an act of hostility. Thus, Franco—without any means of transportation or other financial resources—found himself being flown from the Balearic Islands to the Spanish colonies in North Africa in a British plane to lead the Spanish Foreign Legion, landing his troops in the interior via German planes, while at the same time he was reinforced by Italian regiments, aircraft, and artillery arriving in Seville…

Overall, the «appeasement» policy toward Hitler and Mussolini is now considered responsible not only for Spain’s fate but even for effectively triggering World War II itself (See: *Fateful Choices*, by Ian Kershaw, Penguin Books, 2008).

Of course, the fragmentation and lack of coordination among the Spanish forces supporting the government also played a significant role. The democratic front was not united…

Everyone can draw their own conclusions. History is something that is written once, but read many times and in different ways. Unfortunately, however, it repeats itself.

And there are certain elements that are similar to our own times:

Economic crisis.
Wars and threats of war.
A democratic front that is weak and divided.
The far right is gaining ground in the polls with blatantly fascist rhetoric.If you like, you can add a few other points: We have an EU with leadership that lacks vision, lacks persuasiveness, lacks strong alliances, and has an economy threatened by recession. Furthermore, local governments are either already governed in various forms by the far right (Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Poland), or in which it participates (Greece), or where its rise and influence are being felt (Germany, France, Spain).

Does all this mean we’re headed for World War III? Of course I don’t support that. I do, however, argue that the «appeasement» approach toward the far right and its policies ultimately encourages the far right as a whole. We must not overlook the fact that two of the three parties in Meloni’s far-right coalition view the Russian invasion of Ukraine with greater «understanding.» Orbán and Serbia do as well, while Turkey is playing both sides…

We must also not overlook the fact that the inability to articulate a clear policy, misguided notions of «balance,» and internal rivalries ultimately do not lead to victory. The fact that so many Italians did not even turn out to vote means that no party inspired them. The fact that a military dictatorship lasted 36 years in Spain (while in neighboring Portugal, Salazar ruled for another 35…) says something about the international community, which elsewhere «won’t let a fly land on its sword» and elsewhere turns a blind eye…

The main conclusion, however, is that if we, as citizens, don’t know our history, aren’t vigilant, and don’t get off our couches, we shouldn’t expect others to save us…