The Nationalist forces received Receiving munitions , soldiers , and air support Supporting from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy , while the Republican side received Receiving support Supporting from the Soviet Union and Mexico .

The Italian victory coincided with the zenith of the popularity of dictator Benito Mussolini and the Fascist regime at home and abroad .

On the other side , both Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supplied Supply Franco with air cover and armoured units for his assault on Madrid , while the Luftwaffe units in Spain , the Condor Legion , were commanded Control independently of Franco 's officers .