Franco

(Francisco Bahamonde)

1892 – 1975 CE

Fascist hero, war criminal, and tyrannical dictator

Repressive Spanish general, tyrannical politician, and military dictator; Franco opposed democratic reforms, promoted Right-wing Groups, and helped start the disastrous Spanish civil war which killed over half a million people and--according to many historians--precipitated World War II. Supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, he outlawed all political parties except his own and became responsible for killing c. 400,000 dissenters in concentration and forced labor camps. Claiming neutrality, he supported Italy and Germany during World War II. When his policies plunged Spain into a severe depression, he reversed course, supported liberal policies and Spain became a part of NATO. Creating a government described as an example of fascism, he became a role model for dictators in south America including Pinochet and became responsible for hundreds of thousands of the deaths of his political opponents. Although still admired by fascist followers, the Spanish government removed all of his statues, street names, and memorials; banned all official references to him, took out his lyrics in the national anthem, and began creating monuments to his victims.

Eras

Quotes by Franco

Quotes about Franco (1 quotes)