Francisco Franco (1892–1975)

Question 1

Where was Francisco Franco born?

Answer 1

Ferrol, Galicia, Spain

Question 2

What was Franco’s early career focus?

Answer 2

He pursued a military career, particularly in Spain’s colonial campaigns in Morocco.

Question 3

At what age did Franco become the youngest general in Spain?

Answer 3

33

Question 4

What war did Franco lead the Nationalists in?

Answer 4

The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939)

Question 5

Who supported Franco during the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 5

Fascist leaders like Hitler and Mussolini.

Question 6

Which political factions did Franco unite during the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 6

Monarchists, fascists, traditionalists, and military officers.

Question 7

How did Franco maintain Spain’s position during World War II?

Answer 7

He kept Spain neutral, avoiding direct involvement in the war.

Question 8

What was the political system established by Franco after the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 8

A single-party authoritarian state.

Question 9

What economic phenomenon occurred in Spain during Franco’s rule in the 1960s?

Answer 9

The Spanish economic miracle, characterized by industrial growth and increased tourism.

Question 10

What year did Franco die?

Answer 10

1975

Question 11

Who took over Spain after Franco’s death, leading to the transition to democracy?

Answer 11

King Juan Carlos I

Question 12

How is Franco’s legacy viewed today?

Answer 12

It is highly polarized, with some viewing him as a stabilizer and others as a symbol of repression.

Question 13

What was the controversial event related to Franco’s remains in 2019?

Answer 13

His remains were exhumed from the Valle de los Caídos (Valley of the Fallen).

Question 14

What nickname did Franco have as a child?

Answer 14

Franquito, due to his small stature.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: Franco was surprisingly superstitious and believed in _____.

Answer 15

Astrology

Question 16

What was one of Franco’s hobbies that helped him relax?

Answer 16

Stamp collecting

Question 17

What dish was Franco particularly obsessed with?

Answer 17

Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus)

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Franco was dictator of Spain from ____ to _____.

Answer 18

1939 to 1975

Question 19

Why did Franco avoid the fate of other fascist leaders after WWII?

Answer 19

He kept Spain neutral during the war, which helped his regime survive.

Question 20

What were Franco’s policies regarding opposition groups?

Answer 20

Political repression, including concentration camps, forced labor, and executions.

Question 21

How many people are estimated to have died in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 21

Over 500,000

Question 22

Which factions fought against Franco’s Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War?

Answer 22

Republicans, who favored liberal democracy and social reform.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Franco is considered a controversial figure due to his role in ________.

Answer 23

The repression of political opposition and authoritarian rule.

Question 24

What is one lesser-known fact about Franco’s diet?

Answer 24

He believed octopus gave him strength and had it flown in to Madrid.