Francisco Franco
Francisco Franco (1892-1975) - Spanish military and dictator. He was one of the leaders of the military coup against the Republican government of Spain that led to a three-year victorious civil war (1936-1939).
Leader of the Spanish Phalanx, which has been the official ruling party since 1937. Head of government from 1938. He introduced a dictatorship implementing fascist postulates and cooperating with the Third Reich ruled by Adolf Hitler. Like the Nazis, he created concentration camps, but decided not to join the war on the side of the Axis. Antony Beevor, author of the book Fight for Spain 1936-1939, estimates the death toll of the Frankist regime at 200,000.
In 1947, he proclaimed the restoration of the Spanish monarchy, but only after his death. He, in turn, proclaimed himself regent. In the later years of his rule, he allowed a certain liberalization of public life, but constantly opposed any aspirations by the regions of Spain for autonomy.
He died on November 20, 1975 after suffering three heart attacks. His death initiated changes that allowed for the introduction of democracy in Spain and the country's accession to European structures.