Francisco Franco

Francisco Franco was a Spanish military leader and dictator who ruled Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975. He rose to power during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) by leading a nationalist faction that opposed the Republican government. Franco's regime was characterized by authoritarianism, censorship, and repression of political dissent. He promoted conservative, nationalist, and Catholic values, while suppressing regional identities and leftist ideologies. Although his rule brought stability to Spain post-war, it was marked by human rights abuses. After his death, Spain transitioned to democracy, confronting its historical legacy.