Foreign Aid - Political Impact

• Franco's ability to obtain aid from Italy and Germany increased his authority, while also allowing him to win a series of victories early on in the war. This helped him become the Nationalist's leader.
• In return of Soviet aid, Spanish communists were given senior jobs in government, splitting the Republican movement as Trotskyites and anarchists were unwilling to support the movement. The Spanish communists used their influence to attack political opponents. For example, communist militias arrested POUM leader (Andreu Nin) torturing him until he died.
• Although Germany let Franco have military freedom, Mussolini initially wanted Italian generals to direct Italian troops. However, this led to defeat in the battle of Guadalajara in March 1937, so Mussolini passed control over to Franco.