The offensive on Madrid was abandoned in March 1937 , a series of attacks on weaker Republican - controlled areas was supported by Germany ; despite prolonging the Civil War .
It would help to distract the other western powers from Hitler 's ambitions in central Europe .
Although the offensive on Madrid was abandoned in March 1937 , a series of attacks on weaker Republican - controlled areas was supported by Germany ; despite prolonging the Civil War , it would help to distract the other western powers from Hitler 's ambitions in central Europe .