Francisco Franco “Leader of Spain” “His Excellency Head of State”

1. Francisco Franco“Leader of Spain”“His Excellency Head of State” 1892-1975

2. Born 1892 in Ferrol, Spain • Comes from 6 generations of Naval officers • After losses during the Spanish-American War, Naval Officers are not needed • Franco joins the Army Biographical Background

3. In the 1930’s there was a rivalry between socialists and supporters of the monarch • Where do they belong on a political spectrum? • In 1931, the Spanish monarchy was overthrown • In the elections of 1936, the socialists won a victory • Franco is not happy with how the socialist run the country, including the military Rise of Franco

4. Civil War breaks out between Nationalists(led by Franco) and the Republicans (made up of anarchists, socialists and the poor) • Hitler and Mussolini give weapons and supplies to the Nationalists • Stalin gives weapons to the Republicans • This will be a dress rehearsal for WWII Spanish Civil War

5. Franco and the Nationalists win the Civil War by 1939 • United Kingdom and France recognize the Franco regime • Between 10,000-28,000 members of the Republicans were executed Spanish Civil War

6. Marriages that took place before he came to power were null and void • Guardia Civil was the name of his police force • Personally signed all death warrants • Execution of political opponents • Non-Government trade unions, communists, liberal democrats, anarchists are suppresed Franco’s Rule

7. Franco refuses to help Hitler during WWII fight the democracies • Did briefly offer naval facilities • Why might the Germans need Spanish Naval Facilities? • Franco does allow Spaniards to volunteer to fight with the Germans against the Soviets • Franco forms an alliance with the U.S. after WWII • Declares Spain a monarchy in 1947, but does not take the title “king” • Spanish was the only language that could be spoken Franco’s Rule

8. President Eisenhower & Franco (1959)

9. Remains Controversial • “Devine Providence” • Many of the streets and buildings that took his name have reverted back • Some would like to abolish his rule from being recognized due to the human rights abuses • Died in 1975 at age 82 Franco’s Legacy