Foreign involvement in the Spanish Civil War Contingent. While not supported officially, many American volunteers such as the Abraham Lincoln Brigade fought for the Republicans. 'Spain' became the cause célèbre for the left-leaning intelligentsia across the Western world, and many prominent artists and writers entered the Republic's service. As well, it attracted a large number of foreign left-wing working class men, for whom the war offered not only idealistic adventure but also an escape from post-Depression unemployment. Among the more famous foreigners participating on the Republic's side was George Orwell, who went on to write about his experiences in "Homage to Catalonia". Orwell's novel "Animal Farm" was
The Spanish Civil War and the British Left carefully researched examination" with "much to commend it." Julius Ruiz, in "The Historical Journal", described "The Spanish Civil War and the British Left" as "a significant addition to the historiography" and praised Mates's discussion of the impact of the popular front strategy on the CPGB, but took issue with his belief that industrial action could have proved a better strategy or succeeded in changing government policy. The Spanish Civil War and the British Left The Spanish Civil War and the British Left: Political Activism and the Popular Front is a 2007 book by Lewis H. Mates. Mates uses archival research