Francisco Franco (1892-1975) was a Spanish general and dictator who ruled the country from 1939 until his death in 1975. He is best known for leading the Nationalist forces to victory in the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. After the war, he established a totalitarian regime that suppressed political opposition and imposed strict control over all aspects of society.
Franco was born in El Ferrol, Spain and began his military career at a young age. He rose through the ranks and became a prominent figure in the Spanish Army. In 1936, he joined a military uprising against the democratically elected government of Spain, which led to the outbreak of the Civil War.
During his rule, Franco implemented conservative policies that favored traditional values and Catholicism. He also pursued economic policies that focused on self-sufficiency and industrialization. His regime was characterized by censorship, repression of political opponents, and human rights abuses.
Despite facing international isolation and economic struggles, Franco maintained his grip on power for nearly four decades. However, towards the end of his rule, there were growing calls for democracy and an end to his authoritarian regime. After his death in 1975, Spain transitioned to a constitutional monarchy.
