History of Germany–Spain relations in Timeline

Germany and Spain share robust diplomatic relations, underpinned by their membership in key international organizations such as the European Union, OECD, NATO, and the United Nations. These affiliations foster cooperation on various fronts, including economic, political, and security matters. Their shared membership within the EU is particularly significant, influencing trade, policy alignment, and citizen mobility. This close relationship extends to collaborative efforts within international forums, addressing global challenges and promoting shared interests.

1914: Spain Remains Neutral in World War I

In 1914, at the start of World War I, Spain chose to remain neutral. Germany and the Central Powers ultimately lost the war against the Triple Entente.

1918: Kaiser Wilhelm II's Reign Ends

In 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II's reign as German Emperor came to an end. He had been in power since 1888 and his demands for Germany to have "a place in the sun" led to conflicts with Spain over Micronesian islands in the Asian Pacific region.

1918: End of WWI and Abdication of German Monarchs

The year 1918 marked the end of World War I and the defeat of Germany and the Central Powers. This defeat resulted in the abdication of all German monarchs, and also meant that Germany failed to become a colonial rival to Spain in Morocco.

1921: Start of the Rif War

In 1921, the Rif War began as Spaniards attempted to extend their rule over the colonial territory in northern Morocco.

1923: Dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera

In 1923, General Miguel Primo de Rivera established his dictatorship in Spain, marking a period of uncertainty and instability for the country.

1926: Rif War Continues

The Rif War continued throughout 1926 as Spaniards tried to extend their rule over the colonial territory in northern Morocco.

July 1927: Spain Subjugates the Entire Rif Area

In July 1927, Spain successfully subjugated the entire Rif area in northern Morocco, concluding the Rif War.

1930: End of Miguel Primo de Rivera's Dictatorship

In 1930, the dictatorship of General Miguel Primo de Rivera came to an end in Spain. The inter-war period was associated with great uncertainty and instability for most European countries.

1931: Proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic

In 1931, the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed in Spain, following a period of dictatorship under General Miguel Primo de Rivera.

July 1936: Start of the Spanish Civil War

In July 1936, an attempted coup d'état in Spain led to the start of the Spanish Civil War. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy supported the rebels.

February 1937: Málaga–Almería Road Massacre

In February 1937, the Málaga–Almería road massacre resulted in the murder of about 10,000 people fleeing the city during the Spanish Civil War. During this period, members of the international POUM militia fought for members of Trotskyist, left-socialist and opposition communist groups such as the German SAP and KPO.

February 1939: Civil War Refugees in France

In February 1939, there were approximately 500,000 civil war refugees, most of whom were interned in the south of France.

March 1939: Spain Joins the Anti-Comintern Pact

In March 1939, Spain joined the Anti-Comintern Pact. Franco unquestionably had sympathy for the regimes in Italy and Germany.

April 1, 1939: Franco Proclaims Victory in Spain

On April 1, 1939, after the last Republican forces surrendered, Franco proclaimed victory, establishing a dictatorship throughout Spain.

1939: End of the Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War, which began in July 1936, concluded in 1939.

July 1940: Spain Declares Itself a War Leader

In July 1940, Franco declared that Spain was not neutral but merely a war leader, showing his alignment during World War II.

August 6, 1940: Spanish Prisoners in Mauthausen Concentration Camp

Since August 6, 1940, many Spanish prisoners of war were sent to the Mauthausen concentration camp. Over 7,000 Spanish prisoners lived there, with 5,000 of them dying.

1940: Franco's Meeting with Hitler in Hendaye

In 1940, at a meeting in Hendaye, Franco met with Hitler but refused to allow German troops into Spain, demanding French colonial territory for Spain's entry into the war.

February 1941: Hitler's Letter to Franco

In February 1941, Hitler wrote a letter to Franco emphasizing their shared historical compulsion, urging boldness and alliance.

July 1942: Hitler Considers Spanish Political Situation

In July 1942, Hitler considered "finding a suitable personality for the settlement of the Spanish political situation" and thought of General Muñoz Grandes.

December 1943: Franco's Position to the German Ambassador

In December 1943, Franco conveyed to the German ambassador that the Spanish government's stance against Bolshevism, Communism, Judaism and Freemasonry would persist both domestically and internationally.

1943: Spain's Shift Away from the Axis Powers

Around 1943, Spain began to distance itself from the Axis powers. Franco declared Spain neutral and exchanged support for allied oil supplies.

1943: Withdrawal of the División Azul

In 1943, after the Battle of Stalingrad, Franco withdrew the 'División Azul' from the Eastern Front.

1944: Franco Informed About Extermination of Jews

By 1944, Franco was informed about the extermination of Jews in Auschwitz, understanding the extent of the annihilation.

1955: Spain Admitted to the United Nations

In 1955, Spain was admitted to the United Nations, marking a step towards international integration.

1955: Federal Republic of Germany Joins Atlantic Pact

In 1955, the Federal Republic of Germany joined the Atlantic Pact.

February 9, 1962: Franco Seeks Association with European Community

On February 9, 1962, Franco submitted an application seeking an association agreement with the European Community.

1966: Negotiations Begin for Association Agreement

In 1966, negotiations began for an association agreement between Spain and the European Community, though they were delayed due to political reservations.

1970: First Agreement with European Community Concluded

In 1970, a first agreement was concluded between Spain and the European Community, following negotiations that began in 1966.

1973: German Democratic Republic Joins United Nations

In 1973, the German Democratic Republic became the 133rd member of the United Nations. The Federal Republic of Germany followed as the 134th member.

1975: Franco's Death and Democratization

In 1975, after Franco's death, Spain began its democratization process under King Juan Carlos I, which helped break the country's isolation.

1982: Spain Joins NATO

In 1982, Spain joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

1986: Spain Becomes Member of European Community

In 1986, Spain became a member of the European Community, furthering its integration with European nations.

1988: Spain Joins Western European Union

In 1988, Spain joined the Western European Union, strengthening its European ties.

1999: Introduction of the Euro as Book Money

In 1999, Spain, together with Germany and other European partners, introduced the Euro as book money.

2002: Euro Cash Introduction

In 2002, the Euro was physically introduced as cash in Spain, Germany, and other European partner countries.

2003: Spain Joins Coalition of the Willing in Iraq War

In 2003, Spain joined the US in the Iraq War as part of the "Coalition of the Willing", despite popular opposition. Germany, along with Russia and France, refused to participate.

July 2004: Spain Withdraws Troops from Iraq

In July 2004, Prime Minister Zapatero withdrew Spanish troops from Iraq.

November 2013: Spain Increases Military Contingent in Afghanistan

By November 2013, Spain had increased its military contingent in Afghanistan, with 34 Spaniards having died.

March 2018: Arrest of Carles Puigdemont in Germany

In March 2018, Catalan politician Carles Puigdemont was arrested in Germany, leading to an examination of potential extradition.

August 2022: Germany Supports Gas Pipeline Connecting Spain to Europe

On 30 August 2022, German chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the construction of a gas pipeline (MidCat) connecting Spain and Portugal to France and the rest of Europe. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez was also invited to a German Cabinet meeting.