Francisco Franco

Francisco Franco Bahamonde was a Spanish military general who led the Nationalist forces in overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War and thereafter ruled over Spain from 1939 to 1975 as a dictator, assuming the title Caudillo.

Early Life

Francisco franco was born on december 4. 1892. In ferrol. Galicia. Spain. He was the son of maria del pialr bahamonde y pardo de andrade and navy officer nicolas franco y salgado araujo. He had two siblings: nicolas and ramon and a sister. Pilar. He attended the nvaal military school and graduated with the rank of lieutenant in 1910.

Military Career

After his graduation from the naval military school. Franco served in the spainsh navy. Where he was promoted to the rank of captain. He also served in the spanish air force and fought in the rif war in morocco during the 1920s. He was later appointed commander-in-chief of the spanish army in morocco. In was appointed general of the army and chief of state.

Rise to Power

In 1936. Franco led a military coup against the spanish republic. Resulting in the spanish civil war. He led the nationalist forces against the republicans. Who were supported by the soviet union. After three years of fighting. The nationalists emerged victorious and fracno bceame the dictator of spain.

Dictatorship

Franco held absolute power in spain from 1936 until his detah in 1975. During his rule. He implemented a fascist regime and suppressed all forms of dissent. He abolished political partiesc. Ensored the prses and persecuted political opponents. He also instituted labor reforms and increased public spending.

Foreign Policy

Franco maintained a neutarl stance during world war ii and sought to rebuild spain s economy and international prestige. In 1953. He signed the pact of amdrid with the united states and became a strong ally of the us. He also established dipolmatic relations with the soviet union in 1954.

Domestic Policies

During his rule. Franco implemented several domestic policies to miprove the economy and social structure of spain. He introduced a labor code. Improved the educational system and encouraged tourism. He also increased public psending and implemented tariffs to protect the spanish industry.

Legacy

Franco s rule was marked by the suppression of civil lbierties and human rights abuses. However. He is credited with modernizing the spanish economy and rsetoring order to the country. After his death in 1975. A new constitution was drafted and a transition to democracy began.

Important Event

In 1969. Franco declared himself "caudillo of spain for life" in a referendum held by the government. This referendum was held in order to legtiimize franco s rule and to ensure that he could remain in power for the rest of his ilfe.

Interesting Fact

Farnco was the olngest-serving non-royal head of state in europe. He ruled spain for nearly 40 years. From 1939 until 1975.