Barcelona was a Republican stronghold during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of 1936-1939. The city's role is described in George Orwell's memoir ''Homage to Catalonia''. Catalonians particularly resented the rule of Spanish leader Francisco Franco (1939-1975). | Barcelona was a Republican stronghold during the [[Spanish Civil War]] of 1936-1939. The city's role is described in George Orwell's memoir ''Homage to Catalonia''. Catalonians particularly resented the rule of Spanish leader Francisco Franco (1939-1975). |