Profession: Spanish Dictator and General

Why Famous: Francisco Franco, General and ruler of Spain for nearly forty years began his career as a young soldier, rising to 2nd in command of the Spanish Foreign Legion in 1920 and later its commander. Franco was one of a group of military leaders who in 1936 planned a coup to overthrow the Republican elected government, effectively starting the Spanish Civil War.



Franco assumed leadership of Nationalist forces slowly winning control of Spain. Franco was aided in his cause by some support from fascist Germany and Italy.



However Franco failed to come to an agreement with Hitler at the outbreak of WWII and remained outside the war. Franco's early rule saw a continuation of the Nationalist 'White Terror' the oppression, imprisonment and execution of political opponents.



The first years of Franco's reign were bleak as many went into exile. Franco promoted a nationalist, conservative state and suppressed regional languages and identity. In 1969 he appointed Prince Juan Carlos as his successor. Upon his death in 1975 he was interred in Valle de los Caídos, a vast memorial.

Born: December 4, 1892

Birthplace: Ferrol, Galicia, Spain

Generation: Lost Generation

Star Sign: Sagittarius

Died: November 20, 1975 (aged 82)

