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Season 2023 – Talk 21 – Franco’s Spain
In ‘Franco’s Spain’ Peter Duffy tells us about the Spanish dictator who controlled Spain from 1939 to 1975.
Click a thumbnail below to view the image gallery that accompanies the talk.
Early career:
After he passes out from Toledo, Franco is posted to Morocco where he remains until the late 1920s.
He comes a lieutenant in 1912, a captain in 1915, a major in 1917, a colonel in 1925, and a general in 1926, making him the youngest general in both the Spanish army and across Europe.
His military achievements and bravery in battle drive both his promotions and also 13 medals and decorations. His key roles in North Africa are in the Spanish Foreign Legion. He becomes commander when his predecessor dies in battle.
Sidelined:
From 1928 to 1931 he is director of the military academy and responsible for the training of the officer corps of the army. However in 1932 he is effectively sidelined with a posting by the new Republican government. Franco becomes military commander in La Coruña, a minor post in northwest Spain.
After this period in the wilderness he is restored to grace. From 1933 to 1934 he is commander in chief of the Spanish forces in Morocco. Then from 1935 to six he becomes chief of the general staff.
In 1936 another sideways move to Captain General of the Canary Islands.
Marriage and religion:
During his posting to La Coruña he marries Doña Carmen, a very pious woman. She influences his personal beliefs. His religious faith and Catholicism become part of his identity when he makes religion and the Catholic Church principal supports of his regime.
For Franco, his Catholic faith and Spanish nationalism are inseparable. At a personal level Franco believes that he has a personal mission to save Spain from liberalism and communism.
Listen to Peter tell the full story .
About this podcast:
This is an edited recording of a talk given to the Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group.
This podcast is also available through Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, Deezer, Podchaser, Spotify, Stitcher , Vurbl , You Tube and others.
AKM Music licenses Media Magazine for use with this talk.
© The MrT Podcast Studio and Farnham u3a World History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern Group 2018 – 2024