Francisco Franco (1892–1975), commonly known as El Caudillo (The Leader), was a Spanish dictator who ruled over Spain as a military dictator from 1939 until his death in 1975. Franco came to power after leading the Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), which was fought between the Republicans and the Nationalists. His regime was characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and anti-communism, and it was marked by severe repression and censorship. Franco's rule ended with his death, leading to the restoration of the Spanish monarchy under King Juan Carlos I. In Hebrew, Franco is known as פרנקו, and in French, he is referred to as Franco. His legacy remains a contentious topic in Spanish history and politics.
Dictator of Spain from 1939 to 1975
Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco Bahamonde was a Spanish general and dictator 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. This period in Spanish history, from the Nationalist victory to Franco's death, is commonly known as Francoist Spain.