* 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

* 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

* 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

* 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

* 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 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

* 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