Nationalist Spain

**Nationalist Spain**

**Leader: Francisco Franco**

**Ruling Party: Falange**

**Ideology: Fascism**

**Capital: Madrid**

**Category: Minor Power**

**Nationalist Spain is a country that was reformed and forged through fire, steel, and uncompromising patriotism. In 1936, Spain was on the verge of a total communist takeover, with the country's Communist and Anarchist parties aggressively pursuing its aims through means of violence, intimidation, and persecution of any and all whom get in the way of their revolutionary ideals. There were regular occurrences of violent clashes between the**

**nationalists and communists within the streets of Madrid and elsewhere in Iberia. Communist paramilitary brigades would patrol the streets and instill terror in those whom are considered threats to the so-called "World Revolution". These "threats" could include anyone who dresses smartly in designer attire, artists painting extravagant canvases with depictions of aristocratic decadence or subjective scenes of parties with women in questionable circumstances, all which would be systematically vandalized as such is considered bourgeoisie and inherently evil in accordance to the Marxist doctrines. The most sinister actions perpetrated by these red militias was their incessant assaults on churches and clergymen in which they'd raid a house of god, brutally assaulting the priests and clergymen, even killing them as times, then setting the religious establishments ablaze, with many such buildings multiple hundreds of years old and stand as historical landmarks. The Marxist doctrine calls for an atheist state, one void of religion. In response, the Communist militias carry on a campaign of religious persecution throughout Spain, destroying important monuments and artifacts in the process, and striking fear in the hearts of those devoted to the Lord who are now afraid to practice their religion as a response to this communist persecution.**

**Now on the other side of the ideological spectrum within Spain is the Nationalists and Fascists. Both essentially share the same aims for the future of their country. Both are ardent in their belief that Spain is a Catholic nation and therefor Catholicism should play a greater role in Spanish society, with laws and customs in accordance to Christianity. The Nationalist/Fascist bloc are comprised mainly of those within the military, church, aristocracy, law enforcement, much of the conservative-leaning public, and the Carlists; a staunchly pro-monarchist and pro-traditionalist group whom seek the restoration of the Bourbon Throne under King Alfonso XIII who they view as the rightful monarch of the Kingdom of Spain and was unfairly deposed in 1931 after a military coup forced him into exile, albeit never officially relinquishing his position as King through abdication.**

**Finally after years of social turmoil, the ideological powder keg erupted in 1936, launching Spain into an all out civil war. Generalissimo Fransisco Franco Belamonde, who at the time was cast out by the Republican government to the Canary Islands for minimal jurisdiction duties over the colonies as to prevent any possibility of Franco staging a coup over the government. Meanwhile in mainland Spain, gunfire erupts and circumstances are escalating to total conflict at a rapid pace. The Communists/Anarchists have received arms shipments from Stalin over in the Soviet Union, who himself has many interests in Spain becoming a communist country. Meanwhile in north Africa, Franco, along with his loyal army of nationalists, desperately require a way to return to the mainland and take the fight to tje communists. The Führer and the Duce caught word of the situation in Spain and conceded to the General's pleas, mobilizing a fleet of heavy transport planes along with multiple brigades of German and Italian Fascist volunteers to aid Franco in the fight. After managing to rally what many considered to be the Spanish military's best, most experienced soldiers, nearly 60,000 in total, who helped Franco secure the colony of Morocco, German and Italian transports landed at the colony on July 21st, 1936. Generalissimo Franco along with his loyal army, loaded onto the transport planes and proceeded towards the mainland.**

**Organization was a key factor to Franco if he wished to secure Spain and the existence of Catholicism within the country, then he would require a united front to lead towards victory. A united coalition of monarchists, conservatives, nationalists, Fascists, aristocrats, and Carlists was formed, but with a compromise ... All of these movements respective ideals were to be established under one unified government platform. A platform in which all primary objectives of each party is shared mutually. This proved to be a success, as now multiple separate political entities with conflicting policies have been mended into one, securing absolute unity among them, therefor allowing for an effective and organized military coalition.**

**Franco's forces began their attack from the north of Spain where his supporters were most prevalent. As the years progressed, substantial progress was being made at the front lines, pushing the communist forces further and further southward. Volunteers from the Reich, known as the 'Condor Legion', and Italy provided much-needed aid in the forms of weaponry, armor, ammunition, medical supplies, German military training, and air support. This caliber of support equipment made the Soviet's aid pale in comparison, with their outdated equipment and seldom presence of tanks or airplanes supplied. The Anarchists, Communists, Socialists, and liberals failed to unite their cause effectively, resulting in a rather disorganized military effort against their adversaries.**

**By the year 1939, the end appeared to be in sight. Franco's forces began their approach to the national capitol of Madrid, which had become somewhat of a fortress rather than a simple city at that point. The Republican government was still in their seat in power there and aided by the communist coalition, however after the prime minister began pleading for peace the communist forces became outraged. Franco himself rejected the offer and stated that he will only accept unconditional surrender. The communists quickly began engaging the Republican army and what ensued was essentially a civil war within a civil war. Now with the enemy forces within the city tearing themselves apart, Nationalist forces took advantage of the situation and stormed the capital, swiftly eliminating the disorganized enemy opposition and capturing the capital. After the fall of Madrid, Generalissimo Fransisco Franco commanded his forces to make a swift push south to the coast, decimating all opposition along the way. By this point in the civil conflict, the communist forces were scattered and in total disarray. Nationalist forces obliterated in and all resistance that remained and by April 1st, 1939, the communist revolutionaries surrendered, officially bringing an end to the bloody, 3 year Spanish Civil War.**

**Although there were many contenders for the seat of power over the Spanish government, most notably the leader of the Fascist Falange Party, Antonio Primo de Rivera, the obvious and most popular candidate was the man who led the Nationalists to victory, saving Catholic Spain from Communist tyranny, Generalissimo Fransisco Franco. The new Caudillo ("Leader") may have won the war, but he has many more battles which lie ahead. The Kingdom of Spain was devastated by the destructive conflict. Many industrial centers, farms, infrastructure, and cities were decimated as a result. Nationalist Spain has no ability allocate resources anywhere but towards reconstruction. When the Second World War broke put in 1939, Hitler and Mussolini made a series of state visits to the Caudillo in hopes of securing an alliance with Spain. This desire for a military pact was especially sought after during Hitler's planning for the invasion of France, which Spain neighbors from the West and would undeniably serve as an invaluable front line to attack France from multiple directions, swiftly defeating the country in a matter of weeks if that were the case. Regardless, Franco didn't budge. However, he did offer Spanish volunteers to aid the Reich in its fight against the Soviet Union. A minimal gesture at best.**

**Now at the start of 1946, following many years of Spain healing itself from its deep wounds, the country is finally in shape to pursue a military policy. Franco currently sets his sights on modernizing his military with the latest in military innovations and training. Many within his government also have announced their interests in expanding the Spanish colonial empire in Africa and potentially elsewhere. The biggest decision to make however is one regarding alliances. Italy no doubt represents much more than just a mere military ally. The latin bond which Spain shares with them brings the two Roman-rooted nations together in a natural synthesis of sorts. The German Reich on the other hand offers the key to making Spain both a technological and military power with their incredible innovations and engineers that the country could benefit greatly from. Spain now stands at a crossroads ... Will they side with their Latin brethren? Or will they kneel their heads to their German overlords in exchange for technological riches?**