“Goodbye” General Franco Died 20 November 1975

Francisco Franco y Bahamonde (4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975)  who ruled as the dictator of Spain from 1939 until his death. He came to power during the Spanish Civil War while serving as the Generalísimo of the Nationalist faction.

In 1936, Franco and a group of Spanish military leaders conspired to overthrow the Popular Front–led Republican government. The rebellion subsequently evolved into a civil war, during which Franco emerged as the leader of the Nationalists. After winning the civil war, Franco had the Spanish Parliament dissolved and established a dictatorship.

Franco went on to rule Spain for nearly forty years. His health declined during the 1960’s and in 1969, he designated Prince Juan Carlos, grandson of Spain’s former king, Alfonso XIII, as his official successor. After Franco’s death, Juan Carlos became king and Spain began its transition to democracy.