The Spanish Civil War

• Republic is formed after King abdicates in 1931
• Government formed from left wing, communists, socialists, and anarchists (Republicans)
• Right wing opposition - Church, army, and Falange (Fascist group) led by General Francisco Franco (Nationalists)

Fascist, Democratic and Communist support for the Spanish Civil War

• pits fascism against democracy and communism (WWII)
• Italy and Germany support Nationalists with troops and equipment
• Germans try out new tactics such as Blitzkrieg and the luftwaffe bombing of cities 
• Britain, France declare to be non-interventionist (many citizens fight in International Brigades)
• USSR even supported a Republican government

Summary

As a republic was formed from the abdication of the King, Spain broke apart into two separate states that fought for the right the rule. Germany and Italy supported the right wing state, while Russia, The Uk, France and USA supported the left wing state.