Beginning of the Spanish Civil War

On 17 July 1936 General Francisco Franco initiates a putsch in Spanish Morocco against the Popular Front government in Madrid which was democratically elected in February. With help from major portions of the army and with massive support from Italy and Germany, the putschists quickly bring western and northern Spain under their control.

© Fundación nacional Francisco Franco Franco's arrival in Sevilla accompanied by his lieutenant colonel Yague, July 1936

However, mostly in the Basque region, in Catalonia and around Madrid, fierce resistance arises against the fascists which is bolstered by countless foreign volunteers – the „International Brigade“. A bloody civil war erupts.

The conflict offers the German Reich a welcome testing ground for trying out its new Wehrmacht. Soon the first „corps of volunteers“ – in reality Wehrmacht soldiers in disguise – arrive in Spain. The German „Condor Legion“ will achieve a sad notoriety during the war.