Francoist Spain

1939–1975 period of Spain

Francoist Spain (Spanish: España franquista) or the Francoist dictatorship (dictadura franquista), was the period of Spanish history between 1939 and 1975, when Francisco Franco ruled Spain. During this time period Spain was officially known as the Spanish State (Estado Español). After Franco’s death, Spain turned into a democracy.

Spanish State
Estado Español
1936–1975
Flag of Francoist Spain
Flag
(1945–1977)
Coat of arms (1945–1977) of Francoist Spain
Coat of arms
(1945–1977)
Motto: Una, Grande y Libre
("One, Great and Free")
Plus Ultra
("Further Beyond")
Anthem: Marcha Granadera
("Grenadier March")
Territories and colonies of the Spanish State:
  •   Spain, Ifni, Western Sahara and Guinea
  •   Protectorate in Morocco
  •   Tangier International Zone
Capital
and largest city
Madrid
Official languagesSpanish
Religion
Roman Catholicism (official)
Demonym(s)Spanish, Spaniard
GovernmentPersonalist Dictatorship[broken anchor]
Head of state 
• 1936–1975
Francisco Franco
Head of Government 
• 1938–1973
Francisco Franco
• 1973
Luis Carrero Blanco
• 1973–1975
Carlos Arias Navarro
LegislatureCortes Españolas
Historical eraWorld War II, Cold War
• Civil War
17 July 1936
1 April 1939
6 July 1947
14 December 1955
1 January 1967
20 November 1975
Area
1940[1]796,030 km2 (307,350 sq mi)
Population
• 1940[1]
25,877,971
CurrencySpanish peseta
Calling code+34
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Nationalist faction
Second Spanish Republic
Spanish transition to democracy
Today part of Equatorial Guinea
 Morocco
 Spain
Western Sahara

During the Spanish Civil War, Francisco Franco led the nationalists supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. The republicans were supported by the Soviet Union, Mexico, and France. The dictatorship was created right after the nationalists won. Francisco Franco made himself the Caudillo of Spain and ruled until his death in 1975.

Francoism

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Francoist demonstration in Salamanca in 1937

Nationalism

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Francisco Franco promoted ultranationalism. He did not allow the use of regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, Galician, and promoted Spanish as the only official language.

References

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