Did Hitler deliberately use Spanish civil war as a war game prelude to WW2?

Answer 1

Both Hitler and Mussolini aided Franco during the Spanish Civil War, mainly in the form of air support.

"For Germany, the Spanish Civil War came at an opportune time. The nation was initiating a rearmament program, in violation of the World War I peace treaty. A war in Spain would distract the world’s governments from this transgression. Plus, Spain had raw materials that Germany could use. Hitler also liked the idea of threatening France with a Fascist government to its south. But most importantly, Spain would provide an opportunity to test equipment and train troops. Although Hitler was careful not to send enough troops to make the world perceive them as a combatant nation, 19,000 German "volunteers" gained valuable combat experience in Spain. Because the Nationalists already had strong army support, Germany sent over mostly aviators from the Luftwaffe." (Centennial of Flight)

There is not much doubt that the experience the Luftwaffe gained in Spain was of great value during the intial stages of WWII and was instrumental in blitzkrieg.

Answer 2

Heck yes. Read up on the town of Gunecia. It was pure blitzkrieg. Whole methods of war were tried out and if you look up the names of the German officers you will find a good portion of them were promoted shortly after. The successful one I mean . Also read up what the Franco Government did to the allied soldiers and fleeing refugees who were caught trying to find freedom in Franco's Spain

Answer 3

Yes, many of the weapons and tactics that were used in Poland and France were tested in Spain. It makes it that much sadder to realize that France and England could have learned from this in time to stop Germany, but did not.

Answer 4

From everything I have ever read, the answer is an absolute yes. He wanted to test out his entire war machine.

Answer 5

because of the fact the Germans & Italians supported the Nationalists (Gen Franco) jointly as the valid Socialist government substitute into supported via the Russian Soviets. The British and French stayed impartial. most of the techniques learnt in th Civil warfare have been used later in wWW2. eg mass bombing of civilian objectives.

Answer 6

Yes, it was call actual war games.

Answer 7

Yes and Mussolini went along with him.

Answer 8

yes and as a weapons testing ground.