The Spanish general and dictator Francisco Franco (born 1892) played a major role in the Spanish Civil War and became head of state of Spain in 1939. Spain's national chaos during the 30's led to an increase of factional hostility between political parties. After several civil conflicts, it seemed that Spain was heading toward a democracy as Spanish republicans overthrew the monarchy and the dictarorship that ruled in its own name. For several years the Spanish state had backed up the domination of landowners and the clergy on the countryside, but this would not last long. Francisco Franco led a coup' d' etat on this semi-democratic government, gathering a large following from the upper-classes of spain. This was not a fast transition though, as civil war tore apart Spain as Franco and the republican party fought for control of the country. Spain became a training ground for World War two as well, as Hitler and Mussolini sent soldiers to back Franco's war in order to better their own soldiers experience and tactics as well as to strengthen diplomatic relationships. The pure strength of Germany, Italy, and Franco's army eventually proved to be to much for the Popular Front government of Spain, and the last vestige of democracy collapsed. Franco then held the reins of Spain.
