The Spanish Civil War (1936-39) split the world down ideological lines. Those who supported the left-leaning government of the Second Spanish Republic travelled to Spain in their thousands to join the volunteer International Brigades and other associated groups. Consisting of socialists, communists, anarchists and democrats, these pro-Republican foreign volunteers did not receive official recognition or assistance from their countries of origin such as France, the United States and United Kingdom.
On the other hand, supporters of the Nationalist military junta led by General Francisco Franco firmly included Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Portugal.
