8. The Spanish Civil War: A Dress Rehearsal for WW II? Italian troops in Madrid
9. Pits Fascism vs. Communism: - Hitler backs the Fascist Nationalists, Stalin sends troops to support the Republican government New Warfare Tactics unleashed: - Hitler unleashes Blitkrieg against the Republican Armies, tank divisions supported by infantry soldiers - Sends in the Luftwaffe to bomb the town of Guernica to the ground Closer relationship between Hitler and Mussolini established: - not formally allied at this point, but Mussolini proclaims both Italy and Germany as “Axis” powers - Mussolini hoped that by cooperating with Hitler, Italy would be able to secure its dominance in Southern Europe, while Hitler focused on Northern Europe and defying France and Britain