Question

how was the spanish civil war significant to the nazi army prior to world war ii? the nazi armys participation in spain provided it with a training ground that improved its combat proficiency with new technology. the spanish civil war diverted european powers attention from hitlers expansionist desires in western europe. the success of the spanish loyalists provided the nazi army with an ally for fighting france during world war ii. sale of german weapons to spain allowed germany to emerge from the great depression and make internal military improvements that it would use during world war ii.

Explanation:

The Spanish Civil War (1936 - 1939) was a conflict in Spain between the Republicans (loyal to the democratic, left - leaning Second Spanish Republic) and the Nationalists (a falangist, nationalist group led by Francisco Franco). Nazi Germany supported the Nationalists.

• The Nazi army used the Spanish Civil War as a testing ground. They tested new military technologies such as the Luftwaffe's Condor Legion which used dive - bombers like the Junkers Ju 87. This combat experience improved their proficiency with new technology.
• The Spanish Civil War did not really divert European powers' attention from Hitler's expansionist desires in a way that was a key significance for the Nazi army. European powers were already somewhat aware of Hitler's ambitions before and during the Spanish Civil War.
• The Spanish Nationalists (not loyalists) won the Spanish Civil War. But Spain remained mostly neutral during World War II and was not a full - fledged ally in the sense of actively fighting alongside Germany against France in the way a traditional ally would.
• While Germany did supply weapons to Spain, it was not the sale of weapons to Spain that allowed Germany to emerge from the Great Depression. Germany's emergence from the Great Depression was more due to re - armament, public works projects (like autobahn construction) and a shift to a war - economy model.

Answer:

The Nazi army’s participation in Spain provided it with a training ground that improved its combat proficiency with new technology.