Why didn’t Spain occupy or retake Gibraltar during WWII? Spain did not attempt to occupy or retake Gibraltar during World War II for several reasons:
Neutrality in the War:
Spain, under Francisco Franco, maintained a position of neutrality for most of World War II. Franco was aware that entering the war on either side could bring significant risks and potential devastation to Spain, which was still recovering from its own Civil War (1936-1939).
Strategic Considerations:
While Gibraltar was of strategic importance, attempting to seize it would have meant engaging with the British military, which could have brought Spain into direct conflict with the Allies. This would likely have provoked a strong military response from Britain and potentially other Allied forces.
Economic and Military Constraints:
Spain’s economy and military were not in a strong position following the Civil War. The country lacked the resources and military strength required for a major offensive operation against a well-defended position like Gibraltar.
Diplomatic Pressures:
Both the Axis and Allied powers exerted diplomatic pressure on Spain. Although Franco had some ideological sympathies with the Axis powers, he also recognized the strength of the Allies and the potential consequences of antagonizing them.
Franco’s Calculations:
Franco was more interested in maintaining his regime’s stability and securing his own position rather than risking Spain’s fragile state on an uncertain military venture. He leveraged Spain’s neutrality to extract economic and diplomatic concessions from both sides.
British Defenses:
Gibraltar was heavily fortified and defended by the British. An attack would have required a substantial military effort with no guarantee of success, further deterring any potential plans for an assault.
