The Spanish Civil War that began in 1936 and ended in 1939 was a successful one for for the fascists led by General Franco and his Nationalist movement. Franco was successfully aided by over 60,000 Italian troops from fascist Italy. Franco also received substantial supplies from Mussolini. Hitler's aid was somewhat less. He did however provide technicians, tanks and air support for Franco.Unlike WW 2, the Spanish Civil War was a fascist victory.Unlike WW 2, the early stages of WW 2 had Germany and the USSR as "allies" in the occupation of Poland.Unlike WW 2, Britain and France, played no major role in the Spanish Civil War.The question of "how many people" saw the Spanish Civil War as a preview of WW 2 is difficult to answer.The end of the Spanish War, however, was vastly different from WW 2, as Franco and his fascists were victorious.