While the Spanish Civil War was certainly significant in twentieth century European history, it had little immediate effect on the course of events surrounding it. Because of this clear split, the civil war is often seen as a prelude or dress rehearsal to the World War that followed. This is because it engaged the sympathies of democratic Socialists, communists, and their allies on the side of the Republican loyalists and the anti-Communist Fascist regimes of Germany, Italy, and Portugal on the side of the Nationalist insurgents led by General Franco.
The Spanish Civil War looms large in the history of the years leading up to World War II.
'Down with Intelligence! Long Live Death!'
