What role did the Condor Legion play during the Spanish Civil War of 1936?
Condor Legion, German Legion Condor, a unit of the German air force, or Luftwaffe, detailed by Hermann Göring for special duty with General Francisco Franco’s Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War (1936–39). It was sent to Franco on the condition that it stay under German command.
What happened at the bombing of Guernica?
On April 26, 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the Nazis tested their new air force on the Basque town of Guernica in northern Spain. One-third of Guernica’s 5,000 inhabitants were killed or wounded. Pablo Picasso exposed the horror of the bombing in his famous anti-war painting called Guernica.
Which foreign country bombed the town of Guernica?
Basque
The bombing of Guernica (26 April 1937) was an aerial bombing of the Basque town of Guernica (Gernika in Basque) during the Spanish Civil War….Bombing of Guernica.
| Operation Rügen | |
|---|---|
| Executed by | Nationalist Spain Condor Legion Legionary Air Force |
| Casualties | ~150–1,650 (estimates vary) killed |
How many people died when Guernica was bombed?
Estimates placed the death toll around 1,600 people, though later studies have reduced the number significantly. “The raid on Guernica is unparalleled in military history,” wrote George Steer in The Times two days after the bombing. “Guernica was not a military objective.
What was the real goal of the Condor Legion?
The Condor Legion also took part in the Battle of Brunete, designed as a Republican offensive to take the pressure off northern Spain, where fighting was ongoing. The Legion was sent from the north to reinforce the broken line.
Who commanded the Condor Legion?
General Hugo Sperrle
The USSR had sent tanks and much ammunition to the Republicans in October 1936. This concerned Hitler and he decided to send a modern German force to support Franco against such odds. The Condor Legion was commanded by General Hugo Sperrle. He had at his disposal 48 Heinkel HE 51’s and 48 Junkers Ju 58 bombers.
Who commissioned Guernica?
Picasso
2. Guernica was a commissioned painting. After the bombing of Guernica, Picasso was made aware of what had gone on in his country of origin. At the time, he was working on a mural for the Paris Exhibition to be held in the summer of 1937, commissioned by the Spanish Republican government.