Evolution of Relationship Between Italy, Germany

After the rebuff Italy experienced after her invasion of Abyssinia, the only choice of allies left for Mussoliniwas Germany and Franco's Spain. In July 1936, a civil war broke out in Spain between the Republicans and the Nationalists lead by the army General Franco. The Republicans got support from various groups throughout Europe. Stalin of Russia sent aid and troops though they were referred as “volunteers” so not to offend the League of Nations. This in itself tended to condemn the Republicans in the eyes of many in Europe as Stalin and the communist regime in Russia still terrified many. Mussolini and Hitler sent support and “volunteers” to Franco.