Why did Spain remain nuetral during WW2?

Question

After the help that General Franco received from both Germany and Italy during the Spanish Civil War he kept Spain out of WW2 and remained in power with a fascist government until the 1970's. Why didn't Hitler call in hisw marker for Spain to join the Axis. It would have closed off the Med to the Allies, since Gibralter would have easily fallen. This would have resulted in the fall of all North Africa, since the allies would only get supplies through Suez Canal. The result would be no invasion of France or italy. Why did Hitler miss this opportunity?

"2points Why would Germany wish to invade Spain, that was never on the cards.
The Med was open at the Gibralter Straits and the Suez Canal

"2points Why would Germany wish to invade Spain, that was never on the cards.
The Med was open at the Gibralter Straits and the Suez Canal to the allies

Message to dasubadi
IWith the war in Africa won that would have freed up tens of thousands of German and possibly Italian troops too. The Americans would hve found it far more difficullt to land in West Africa (they only succeeded threir because of the superiority of numbers 10 to 1 at times in armour) They were completely outclassed at first. The Russians only just beat them. In the Battle of Kursk there were similar number of casualties on both sides but the Russians had 1.3M troops (40% of their total armies) against 900,000 Germans. If it had been 1.3 against 1.3 then who Knows the outcome.

Answer 1

A meeting was arranged between Franco and Hitler to discuss help however Franco didn't turn up! Franco was still revelling in the glory of victory and Hitler decided he wasn't worth the effort. Remember at the time Hitler's forces would not have been stopped if they decided to invade Spain. Having said that Spain did help the Germans by allowing U-Boats in their ports (if only for repairing and supplying) and by spying on Gib. Just a little point I would hardly describe the Med as being 'open' to the Allies!!

Answer 2

Hitler did want Franco in the War. Franco was too demanding for the Spanish entry into the war wanting large amounts of supplies and raw materials for what, Hitler thought, was half hearted gestures in support of the war. Hitler and Franco didn't get on at all, and the personality clash hindered their relationship. The biggest problem for Hitler was that he could not intimidate Franco as he could with Mussolini and Petain, and Franco wanted as much materials put into Spanish coffers before he would commit to entering the war.
There was a German plan to invade Gibraltar. Operation Felix, and Hitler demanded access for German troops, but the Spanish stalled and the plan was abandoned, as Hitler had set his sights on the Soviet Union. There was constant pressure for Franco to capture Gibraltar by the Germans through the war but Franco had managed to seize power in Spain and that was all that he wanted. He did not and could not face another conflict so soon after the Civil War. Ultimately Hitler decided that conquering the Soviet Union was more important than luring Spain into WWII

Answer 3

My guess would be that francos hold on govt was shaky and the spainish military forces at the time were a shambles. Spain was in no condition to get in another war as it's people were by this time very war weary and would have dumped franco had he joined the axis. The only useful thing Franco could do was trade freely with the axis and give axis spies a safe spot from which to enter allied territory. As for spain taking Gibraltar thats just fantasy as gibraltar is an island and very well fortified Spain simply doesn't have the means to take that island. The Royal Navy would have made any amphibious operation impossible.

Answer 4

Hitler wasn't a good General, this can be proven with Stalingrad, because when the Germans invaded the Soviet Union, Hitler said he was the head General of the German army. And the Spanish Dictator didn't really like the Germans. I can see what you would have achived here, and yes, if Spain had joined the Axis powers, there would have been no way that the Allies could have invaded Southern France and Italy, and the war in Africa would have been won by the Germans!

Answer 5

Franco also received support form Britain, France and Hungary. Furthermore the two men were never friends, Affiliates but not friends. Also Spain was still re-building from their own war and could offer no support to anybody, therefore chose to stay out of it themselves.

As to why Hitler didn't invade Spain, Mussolini would not have supported him if he did as Franco and Mussolini did have grounds of friendship. It was decided by Hitler, Goring and the nose of Donitz that Italy offered more value as an ally than Spain, so Spain was never touched.

Answer 6

Franco was no fool! He knew his army was poorly equipped, untrained to fight European armies and its officer corps useless!Conversely, he ensured (although wracked by a bitter civil war) that Spain remained virtually intact and it people were not confronted with invasion or led to invade other nations. Franco's rule was in many ways oppressive and no doubt many Spaniards suffered. However, Franco always intended restoration of the monarchy and ensured it happened. The Spanish monarchy were taught a drastic lesson which they rightfully needed. Today, the King of Spain is a much loved and highly respected world monarch, having ruled wisely and effectively. And long may he do so.

Answer 7

Yes, Hitler was calling on Franco's help for Germany's involvement in the Spanish civil war. You need to realize that this civil war was absolutely devastating to the Spanish people and economy. I think they has lost their taste for blood by then and Franco wasn't ready to commit so soon to backings fascist partners. He wanted power and he got it. Why risk it all again so soon after gaining it? Yes, Spain and Germany taking Gibraltar would definitely slowed the Allies down but it wouldn't of stopped Operation Overlord and Hitler would still of had the USSR to deal with. It would of amounted to a speed bump.

Answer 8

During this period the Spanish army was poorly equipped and not especially well trained. Spain had a poor transport infrastructure and it's resources could not be easily accessed. The war was not a popular cause amongst the Spanish people and Spain itself was under no immediate threat. Also trade with the Axis nations was far less profitable to Spain than trade with the allied nations, the Americans and the British colonies in Africa.
Franco was no fool - he would not have got involved in a war his nation could ill afford and would get no profit from.

Answer 9

The Canary Islands are known to be the sun heart of Europe! See that sun with hotelbye . Canary Islands give you a slight conditions and a variety of remarkable organic attractions. Five of its seven islands have been stated a Biosphere Reserve, and the archipelago has four national parks. The absolute most outstanding attractions in Canary Islands will be the beaches because they're only great for comforting in sunlight or experiencing water activities such as windsurfing and scuba diving. In Canary Islands you will also be impressing by the inside attraction like: walking, cycle touring, climbing and also caving. Some of the most spectacular attractions of Canary Islands are: the volcanic landscape of Lanzarote, the beaches of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria with their mud dunes, or the natural forests of La Palma and La Gomera.

Answer 10

Why would Spain want to get involved in WW2? Franco accepted military assistance from Hitler because the Communist (Spanish Republicans) were getting aid from the Soviet Union, as well as from communist volunteers from other nations (including The Abraham Lincoln Brigade, from the U.S.). Franco is hated by the Liberals because he defeated the Communists.

Charles Lindbergh got the same treatment for FDR who called him pro-Nazi, because he opposed our entry into WW2 until after Pearl Harbor. FDR was worried about his pal Joe Stalin. The America First position was to let the two thugs kill each other.