• Inconsistent Support: France’s support for the Spanish Republic was wavering, mirroring its internal political ambivalence towards the Spanish Civil War.
• Divided Popular Front Government: Under Léon Blum, France's government was torn. They were concerned about a potential right-wing regime collaborating with Italy and Germany.
• Reliance on Britain: France was dependent on Britain's more anti-Republic stance for foreign policy decisions.
• Non-Intervention Agreement (NIC): France, with Britain, initiated the NIC in August 1936 to prevent war escalation, even though it had previously sent aid to Spain.
• Limited Assistance: France eventually limited its involvement to humanitarian help.
• Impact: This non-intervention significantly hurt the Republic, pushing them to rely on the Soviets, thus polarizing Spanish Civil War politics.
• French Citizens in International Brigades: Despite governmental hesitancy, many French citizens joined the International Brigades, forming 26% of its numbers.

Real-World Example

• Think of France as a friend who offers emotional support but hesitates to jump into your conflicts directly. They might send encouraging messages (like humanitarian aid) but avoid getting physically involved in your “fight” (or, the war).

• Class Interests Over Strategy: Britain’s policies were more influenced by class interests rather than strategic ones.
• Government vs Public Opinion: While public sentiment leaned towards supporting the Republicans, the government hoped for a quick victory by the Nationalists.
• Fear of Revolutionary Left: The British government was wary of the revolutionary left, believing the Nationalists would bring order to Spain.
• NIC Establishment & Violations: Despite leading in establishing the NIC, Britain’s policies subtly favored the Nationalists, and NIC members (Germany, Italy, USSR) were major players in Spain.
• Trading with Nationalists: Britain allowed companies to trade with Nationalist forces, highlighting their implicit support.
• Appeasement Policy: Britain was more focused on avoiding a larger European conflict and maintaining good relations with Italy and Portugal than on the fate of Spain.

Real-World Example

• Britain is like a school principal who ignores a bully (Nationalists) because they maintain “order” in school but is wary of a student activist group (Republicans) fearing they might disrupt the school's “order.”

• Title: ‘“Correct attitudes” in Spain’
• Characters & Symbols
  • ‘Democracy’ is being suppressed by ‘Army Fascism’ and ‘Fascist International’.
  • Observing British officials signify British government’s passive stance.
• Interpretation: The cartoon criticizes the British government’s hypocritical and passive stance towards Fascism in Spain.
• Source Evaluation
  • Question 1: The cartoon reveals a critical perspective on Britain’s passive and hypocritical policy during the Spanish conflict.
  • Question 2: Engage in discussion using the Francisco J Romero Salvadó quote, reflecting on how it supports the cartoon’s message.