Franco’s regime was actually considered by many to be a semi-fascist regime that some referred to as clerical fascism. The three of them had similar styles for controlling their people and maintaining their rule.įranco’s Fascist regime was another European stronghold that promoted the strength and power of authoritarian regimes. However he was not the only one and both Mussolini and Franco joined Hitler to create a Fascist block in alliance in Europe. He Promoted Fascism Hitler may be the one that most people remember when they think of Fascism during the Second World War. Here are 8 things most people do not know about Generalissmo Francisco Franco and his involvement in the Second World War. Franco supported the German regime by proving information to the German intelligence and giving the axis powers war materials, including tungsten to harden steel. It is an oft-cited remark that Hitler once said that he would rather have his own teeth extracted than to deal personally with Franco.Įven though Hitler and Franco could not agree on a way for Spain to officially join the Axis powers, that did not stop Franco from offering up support in other ways. The terms proved to be too high for Hitler who did not want to push his relationship with the Vichy French government too far. Franco made numerous demands including food, fuel, and Spanish control of Gibraltar and French North Africa. When World War II began, Hitler and Franco met to discuss Franco joining the axis powers. By the end of the war the German and Italian troops stayed just as a way to add prestige to the new leadership of Francisco Franco. However, Generalissmo Francisco Franco did limit his use of the German and Italian troops. During the Spanish Civil War both Germany and Italy provided military support for Francisco Franco to take over the country. Francisco Franco may not have entered the war politically but he was very open about who he wanted to win the war even if he was not willing to commit his country to the effort.įrancisco did owe a debt of gratitude to Hitler and his regime. Officially Spain remained neutral throughout the war, but there was a known favoritism of Francisco Franco toward Hitler. Perhaps the strangest part of his rule was that more attention was given to the “Generalissmo Francisco Franco death watch” in 1975, than to the role he played during World War II. He was the only authoritarian ruler to last beyond the Second World War. Generalissmo Francisco Franco ruled over Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975 maintaining absolute control over his people throughout his tenure as leader.

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