Editing Oskar Dirlewanger (section)

== Interwar period ==
After the First World War, Dirlewanger joined [[Freikorps]] formations and took part in post-war paramilitary violence in Germany. He later studied political science and received a doctorate from the University of Frankfurt.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Dirlewanger became involved with the [[Nazi Party]]. He was convicted in Germany in the 1930s for sexual abuse of a minor. The conviction damaged his official position, but it did not remove him from extremist networks.

Dirlewanger served in the [[Spanish Civil War]] from 1937 to 1939. He first entered the Spanish Legion and later served with German forces connected to the Condor Legion. His service in Spain restored his standing with Nazi officials and allowed him to return to military activity.