Spanish Civil war (jul 1, 1936 – jan 1, 1939)

Description:

- Due to the success of the invasion of Abyssinia, Italy intervened in the Spanish Civil war

- Mussolini supported General Franco, (fascist and right wing factions)

Goals:
- To gain naval basses in the Balearic Islands as a reward for his assistance

- To support the militarist, anti-Communist groups in hope to stop communist spread

- To weaken France by opposing the pro-French left-wing Spanish government

- To gain influence in a new pro-Italian Spanish government

Consequences:
- Italy sent large amounts of troops to General Franco

- Economic cost of the intervention to Italy was high (Lira lost value, currency reserves depleted, cost was high)

- Arms stocks were depleted

- Tension with Britain and France rose

- Spain kept its independence under Franco (didn't become Italian satellite state)

- Moved Italy into more trade with Germany (relations improved)

Added to timeline:

Date: