Francisco Franco aka El Caudillo (The Leader) And the causes and effects of the Spanish Civil War

Background of Franco Born December 4th, 1892 Family was conservative upper-middle class, Roman Catholic Entered military academy at age 14 and continued his military career throughout his life Married with one daughter Stationed in Morocco and in 1923 becomes a national hero for ending the Moroccan revolt

The Beginnings of the Civil War 1931-The Spanish monarchy falls when King Alfonso XIII abdicates and goes into exile. The monarchy had been weak for some time, but was kept in power by a military dictatorship. Different groups within Spain fight for control, meanwhile the country falls into economic depression with the rest of the world. By 1936, the leftist party (The Popular Front) have won control of the government.

A Quick Guide to the “Parties” Republicans: This group had the support of the Soviet Union and Mexico. Also called Loyalists, The Popular Front, The Government and Reds (by their enemies) Nationalists: This group had the support of Italy, Germany and Portugal. These were the “rebels” lead by Franco. Basis of the party were the ideas of the Falange

War Begins Nationalists plot to overthrow the government, Franco decides to join the rebellion. The civil war begins when military rebellion is announced. The far right party, Falange, looks to Hitler and Mussolini for support. The Civil War lasts around 3 years, during that time, Franco sets up a joint German-Italian staff and unites the Nationalists. The Catholic Church supports the Nationalists and Gerneralisimo Franco.

The Horror of War One of the most notorious actions of the war-the bombing of the Guernica in 1937 Guernica was targeted because it was the cultural capital of the Basque people-who had been a source of resistance against the Nationalists. 25 German bombers dropped 100,000 pounds of explosives on the town along with machine gun fire. 70% of the town was destroyed and 1,600 people were killed (about 1/3 of the population)

The End of War The war ends on April 1st, 1939 when the city of Madrid is captured. Franco seizes control of the government and marshall law is declared until 1948. Spain is in ruin after the war; war debt, 500,000 people dead and the infrastructure is destroyed.

Spain After the Civil War Franco still “allied” ideologically with Hitler and Mussolini. Spain is more or less neutral in WWII-mostly due to the fact that Spain does not have the military power or money to contribute. Franco is seen as an anti-communist ally to the United States after WWII.

Importance of the Civil War Outside of Spain Several things come into play: Spain is seen as a “rehearsal” for WWII. Nazis practice using their weaponry-case in point would be the fire bombings at Guernica. This Civil War becomes a symbol of the growing world wide struggle between fascism and democracy.

Spain After the Civil War In 1947, the monarchy is reinstated with Franco as head of the government. Franco resigns control of the government in 1973 and dies on Nov. 20th, 1975

Legacy of Franco Some in Spain feel Franco did a lot of good for the country, the majority feel that Franco’s regime was not so great. Repression of political opponents was common in the Franco regime-up to 100,000 may have been shot without a trial. The world saw Franco as cooperative-Spain was admitted to the UN in 1955 and was on friendly terms with the United States. Today a democratic Spain chooses to look to the future and not the past-many crimes committed are still unknown.