Did Hitler and the High-Ranking Nazis See Spanish, Portuguese, and Italians as Aryans?

The historical relationship between Adolf Hitler and Francisco Franco, the dictator of Spain, was marked by convenience rather than ideological alignment. Hitler did not genuinely believe in a pure racial homogeneity beyond practical interests. For Franco, the concept of the "Spanish race" was more about following traditional Spanish values and beliefs rather than a matter of bloodlines or physical characteristics.

Hitler's Perception of Franco and Spanish Allies

According to historical records and accounts, Hitler had a rather negative perception of Franco and the Spanish. During their meeting at the border in France, Hitler allegedly communicated his dissatisfaction to his aide, Joachim von Ribbentrop. The statement, originally in German, was translated and reported in the Spanish records as:

"Con esta gente no hay nada que hacer."

This can be roughly translated as, "There is nothing we can do with these people," expressing Hitler's view that the Spanish were not in sync with Nazi ideas.

Hitler's Positive Views on Spanish Soldiers

It is noteworthy that despite his lack of ideological affinity, Hitler held a favorable opinion of Spanish soldiers, praising them for their bravery.

Hitler's Interest in Aryan Peoples extends to a broader historical context:

Exploring the Concept of Aryans

The term "Aryans" is often associated with a specific racial identity, particularly among the Nazis. However, the concept of Aryans is far more complex and includes a variety of cultural and linguistic groups. Arian peoples are associated with language and culture rather than a strict racial or physical definition.

Key Aryan Groups:

Persian Aryans: The ancient Persians, known for their fire-worship, inhabited modern-day Iran and played a significant role in defeating the Assyrians. Indian Aryans: These groups are believed to have invaded India around 2000 BC and mixed with the existing populations to some extent. Celtic Aryans: The Celtic peoples roamed across Central Europe, Northern Spain, Northern Italy, Britain, and Galicia, from approximately 2000 BC to the Roman Empire era. Germanic Aryans: The tribes of Germany and Scandinavia are closely associated with Arian heritage, dating back to 2000 BC to the present day. Southern Aryans: The Greeks and Romans, who, over time, mixed with other Mediterranean peoples but not as extensively with Semitic peoples.

Semitic Peoples: These include the Assyrians, Sumerians, Babylonians, Arabs from Arabia, and the Jews. The ancient Egyptians' racial background remains a mystery.

Physical Features and Races: Hitler and other Nazis often focused on physical attributes like skin color, eye color, and height when discussing Aryans. However, these features are heavily influenced by environmental factors and can change over time. Factors like diet and climate also play a significant role in physical characteristics.

Mixed Populations in Europe

Hitler recognized that centuries of mixing in Europe made the concept of pure races virtually unattainable. For instance:

Physical attributes like skin color, eye color, and height can vary greatly due to environmental factors and can change over time. Dirk Jan Willem van den Borne, a Dutch historian, notes that the Dutch height, which was among the shortest in Europe before World War II, has significantly increased today, with modern Dutch people being among the tallest in Europe.

The Roman Empire, in particular, encouraged significant genetic mixing, which made the concept of pure races even more impractical. The blend of Greek and Roman culture with Christianity played a crucial role in shaping Western Europe's cultural and religious landscape.

Conclusion

The Nazi ideology of Aryans was more nuanced and expansive than often portrayed, encompassing a wide range of historical and cultural groups. While Hitler's view of Franco and his Spanish allies was pragmatic rather than ideological, it underscores how the concept of Aryanness was more about cultural and linguistic heritage than strict racial purity.