Fascist Italy in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939

Javier Rodrigo's book explores Fascist Italy's intervention in the Spanish Civil War, providing material, strategic, and diplomatic assistance, and reconstructing the evangelization of fascism in Spain. It is the first important study on this topic in over 45 years and will be useful to students of history and scholars interested in twentieth-century Europe, fascism, and the international dimension of the Spanish Civil War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his groundbreaking work, "Fascist Italy and the Spanish Civil War: A Study in Collaboration," Javier Rodrigo delves into the intricate and multifaceted role of Fascist Italy in the Spanish Civil War, spanning from 1936 to 1939. This highly significant book offers a comprehensive examination of Italy's intervention, exploring its multifaceted dimensions and its profound impact on the course of the conflict.

Fascist Italy's intervention in the Spanish Civil War was marked by a series of strategic and material contributions that played a crucial role in transforming Italy into a belligerent nation. Following the unsuccessful military coup of July 1936 and the subsequent failure of the insurgents to capture Madrid, the Corps of Voluntary Troops (CTV, Corpo Truppe Volontarie) was established with the explicit mission of "liberating Spain, ushering in a 'new History,' making the peoples oppressed by the Reds smile again, and 'building a fascist Europe.'"

Far from being a mere footnote or a trivial aspect of the conflict, the intervention of Fascist Italy and Italian fascists on Spanish soil must be recognized as one of the pivotal factors that elevate the Spanish Civil War to its status as an epitome of the twentieth century. Rodrigo's book reconstructs the evangelization of fascism in Spain, drawing on a wide range of sources, including ministerial orders, soldiers' diaries, and official documents. Through meticulous research and analysis, he sheds light on the intricate processes by which fascism was propagated and embraced in Spain, highlighting the role of Italian fascists in shaping the political and social landscape of the country.

One of the key aspects of Rodrigo's work is its exploration of the Italian intervention from unfamiliar angles. He challenges the traditional narratives that have dominated the English-speaking discourse on the Spanish Civil War, offering a fresh perspective that sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Italian involvement. By examining the political, economic, and cultural factors that drove Italy's intervention, Rodrigo provides a comprehensive account of the motivations and strategies employed by the Fascist regime.

This book is a significant contribution to the field of history, particularly in the study of twentieth-century Europe, fascism, and the international dimension of the Spanish Civil War. It will be of immense value to students of history, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay of ideologies, power dynamics, and historical events that shaped the course of the conflict.

In conclusion, "Fascist Italy and the Spanish Civil War: A Study in Collaboration" by Javier Rodrigo is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the role of Fascist Italy in the Spanish Civil War. Through meticulous research and analysis, Rodrigo delves into the multifaceted dimensions of Italian intervention, challenging traditional narratives and providing a comprehensive account of the motivations and strategies employed by the Fascist regime. This book is a valuable addition to the field of history, particularly in the study of twentieth-century Europe, fascism, and the international dimension of the Spanish Civil War. It will be of immense interest to students, scholars, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this pivotal period in world history.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367691783