was francisco franco involved in the bombing of guernica?

Question

this is spanish history

Answer 1

In terms of originating a specific order, no, that has not been shown. But he was in charge of that faction of the civil war that was responsible.

The German Luftwaffe and Italian airforce units involved were notionally volunteers at the disposal of Franco's Nationalist forces*, and were co-operating with a more local command advancing towards the Basque capital on the ground.
The deliberate bombing of civilian targets, which this in part involved, was a change of policy so it has been suggested that an order had to have come from high command, either from General Franco or General Mola.
If this did not occur, it would appear to have been a rogue unauthorised act by the commander of the Condor Legion, Wolfram von Richthofen.


*Hermann Göring declared: "The Spanish Civil War gave me an opportunity to put my young air force to the test, and a means for my men to gain experience."

Answer 2

Franco was the leader of the Fascist side of the Spanish Civil War. He received help, including money, weapons and skilled military people from both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The bombing of Guernica was part of the Fascist offensive in that area.
Yes, Franco was involved. He gave the order. But the aircraft, bombs and most of the air crew were German and Italian.

Answer 3

Hitler had Guernica bombed - allegedly trying out new sofisticated weaponry to take into the war in Europe.