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Franco gained power through an attempted military [[coup d'etat]] in 1936 that developed quickly into the [[Spanish Civil War]]. Franco's forces fought the elected [[communist]] government for three years before finally defeating them outside [[Madrid]] on April 1, 1939. With the fall of [[Madrid]], Franco assumed control of Spain. His regime is generally recognised as having rested on the support of a number of stalwart elements in Spanish society - the army, the [[Roman Catholic Church]], rural landowners, and the [[Falange]] political party.

Franco gained power through an attempted military [[coup d'etat]] in 1936 that developed quickly into the [[Spanish Civil War]]. Franco's forces fought the elected [[communist]] government for three years before finally defeating them outside [[Madrid]] on April 1, 1939. With the fall of [[Madrid]], Franco assumed control of Spain. His regime is generally recognised as having rested on the support of a number of stalwart elements in Spanish society - the army, the [[Roman Catholic Church]], rural landowners, and the [[Falange]] political party.

Franco ruled Spain as a [[dictator]] until his death in 1975. His successor, [[Juan Carlos]], reversed most of Franco's policies after a period of transition that led to the approval of a democratic Constitution in 1978.

Franco ruled Spain as a [[dictator]] until his death in 1975. His successor, [[Juan Carlos]], reversed most of Franco's policies after a period of transition that led to the approval of a democratic constitution in 1978.

== See also ==

== See also ==