Francisco Franco

On October 1, 1936, the Nationalist faction appointed Francisco Franco as Generalissimo and Head of State of the Spanish State. This consolidated his leadership over the Nationalist forces during the Spanish Civil War, giving him supreme military and political authority.

On April 1, 1939, Franco announced the end of the Spanish Civil War after the Nationalist forces captured Madrid and the last Republican strongholds. This victory established Franco as the undisputed dictator of Spain, leading to a regime that lasted until his death.

Franco enacted the Law of Succession in 1947, which declared Spain a monarchy but left Franco as regent for life with the power to choose his successor. This law institutionalized his personal rule and ensured the continuity of his regime after his death.

In 1959, Franco approved the Stabilization Plan, which liberalized the Spanish economy, ended autarky, and opened Spain to foreign investment and tourism. This led to the 'Spanish Miracle' of rapid economic growth in the 1960s, transforming Spain from a poor agrarian country to a modern industrial economy.

In 1969, Franco formally designated Prince Juan Carlos de Borb