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Why did portugal supply weapons to the nationalists in Spain?

Why did Portugal supply weapons to the nationalists in Spain?

The Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939, was a complex and multifaceted conflict that involved many countries, including Portugal. One of the most significant aspects of the war was the involvement of foreign powers, particularly fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, which supported the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. Portugal, a neighboring country with a long history of relations with Spain, also played a significant role in the conflict, providing weapons and other forms of support to the Nationalist forces.

Economic Interests

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One of the primary reasons why Portugal supplied weapons to the Nationalist forces was economic. Portugal had long been interested in expanding its economic influence in Spain, and the Nationalist victory would have allowed it to gain greater access to Spanish markets and resources. Portugal’s economy was heavily dependent on trade with Spain, and the Nationalist government was seen as more sympathetic to Portuguese economic interests.

In 1936, just before the outbreak of the war, Portugal and Spain had signed a treaty aimed at increasing economic cooperation between the two countries. The treaty provided for the creation of a customs union, which would have eliminated tariffs and other trade barriers between the two countries. However, the treaty was never implemented, as the outbreak of the war prevented it from coming into effect.

Strategic Interests

Another reason why Portugal supplied weapons to the Nationalist forces was strategic. Portugal had long been concerned about the security of its borders, particularly in the north, where it shared a border with France and the French-controlled zone of Spain. The Nationalist victory would have provided Portugal with a buffer zone against potential French aggression.

Additionally, Portugal was concerned about the influence of the Soviet Union in Spain, particularly in the northern region of Catalonia, which was seen as a potential threat to Portuguese security. By supporting the Nationalist forces, Portugal hoped to prevent the spread of Soviet influence in the region.

Historical Relations

Portugal and Spain had a long history of relations, dating back to the Middle Ages. The two countries had often fought each other, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, when they competed for control of the Iberian Peninsula. However, by the 20th century, the two countries had largely put their differences aside, and Portugal had come to see Spain as a key partner in the region.

Key Players

Several key players played a significant role in Portugal’s decision to supply weapons to the Nationalist forces. These included:

  • António de Oliveira Salazar, the dictator of Portugal, who was strongly opposed to the Spanish Republic and saw the Nationalist victory as a means of stabilizing the region.
  • Francisco Franco, the leader of the Nationalist forces, who was seen as a reliable partner by the Portuguese government.
  • Diplomats, such as Fernando de Meneses, who played a key role in negotiating the sale of weapons to the Nationalist forces.

Consequences

The consequences of Portugal’s decision to supply weapons to the Nationalist forces were significant. The Nationalist victory in 1939 led to the establishment of a fascist dictatorship in Spain, which would last until Franco’s death in 1975.

Portugal’s support for the Nationalist forces also had significant implications for the country’s relations with other countries. Portugal’s relations with the Spanish Republic were severely strained, and the country’s relations with the Soviet Union and other communist countries were also damaged.

Table: Key Dates in Portugal’s Involvement in the Spanish Civil War

DateEvent
1936Portuguese government signs treaty with Spanish government aimed at increasing economic cooperation
1936Spanish Civil War breaks out
1937Portugal begins supplying weapons to Nationalist forces
1939Nationalist forces win the Spanish Civil War
1940Portugal and Spain sign treaty aimed at increasing economic cooperation

Conclusion

Portugal’s decision to supply weapons to the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War was driven by a combination of economic, strategic, and historical factors. The country’s leaders saw the Nationalist victory as a means of expanding Portugal’s economic influence in the region, securing its borders, and maintaining its historical relations with Spain.

However, the consequences of Portugal’s involvement in the war were significant, and the country’s relations with other countries were severely strained as a result.

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