The appointment of Francisco Franco as the head of the Nationalist government during the Spanish Civil War in 1936 signaled an important shift in the conflict that had begun earlier that year. The civil war erupted following a military coup against the democratically elected Second Spanish Republic, with Franco taking charge of the Nationalist forces that sought to overthrow the republican government. The Nationalists were a coalition of conservative factions, including monarchists, fascists, and traditionalists, united by their opposition to leftist ideologies and the reforms of the Republican government.Franco's ascent to leadership was marked by a series of military victories that allowed him to consolidate power. His military strategies, coupled with support from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, enabled the Nationalists to gain significant advantages. Franco's regime was characterized by its authoritarian nature, aiming to establish a one-party state that stifled dissent and promoted a fascist ideology. This setup led to widespread repression of political opponents, including communists, anarchists, and separatists, significantly impacting the social fabric of Spain.Franco's leadership not only influenced the outcome of the civil war, which concluded in 1939 with a Nationalist victory, but also set the stage for his long-lasting dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. The war and his subsequent policies left scars in Spanish society that were felt for decades, shaping political discourse and collective memory, as well as influencing global perceptions of authoritarianism and civil conflict.