Francisco Franco: Strategic Military Leader in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)

The last report of the Spanish Civil War signed by Generalsimo Francisco Franco stated Today, captive and disarmed the Red Army, the Nationalist troops have reached their last military objectives. The war is over. After a costly victory, Franco ruled Spain for almost four decades, until his death in 1975. Franco passed away more than forty years ago, and Spanish society mirrors most of Europe. However, Spaniards continue to debate Franco and his time. Indeed, debates over the Civil War, its causes, Franco, and his regime generate passionate debate. He continues to loom over Spain. For instance, political factions continue to argue about the replacement of streets and avenues related to Francos regime. Furthermore, political personalities use Francos name or Franquismo to attack their rivals political decisions. Internationally, Franco generates vigorous debate as well. The three main political currents present in Europe before and during World War II, fascism, communism, and democracy, have colored todays public opinions about the Spanish ruler. Writers and academics generally express either extreme admiration or condemnation. Consequently, there are few dispassionate evaluations of Francos strategic military leadership. Moreover, most analyses fail to provide sufficient political, cultural, and military context. Franco provided ample evidence and writings to understand his military thinking. In two representative decisions, at the gates of both Madrid and Barcelona, Franco offers insights into his military thinking. Spanish Army doctrinal publications, journals, and magazines of the time will provide a different lens to analyze Francos strategic thinking. Ultimately, the purpose of this work is to provide a judgment of Franco as a military leader at the strategic level.