Francisco Franco

Francisco Franco Bahamonde (1892 to 1975) was a Spanish general who led the Nationalist side to victory in the Spanish Civil War of 1936 to 1939 and ruled Spain as dictator until his death. Born in Ferrol in Galicia into a military family, he rose quickly through the army in Morocco and became a brigadier general at the age of 33. He joined the July 1936 military coup, took command of the Africa army, and was named generalissimo and head of state later that year, with help from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. His rule brought severe repression and many deaths during and after the war, while Spain stayed neutral in the Second World War. Later technocratic policies produced rapid growth, and before he died he restored the monarchy under Juan Carlos. His legacy and the character of his regime remain debated.