Fran·co  (frāng'kō, fräng'-)  Spanish soldier and political leader who directed the Nationalist government and rebel armed forces that defeated the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). He ruled as dictator (1939-1975) until his death, upon which the Bourbon monarchy was restored. |
A Spanish general and dictator of the twentieth century, often called Generalissimo Franco. Franco, a fascist (see fascism), successfully led the Nationalist armies against the Loyalists during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and then ruled Spain firmly until his death in 1975.