In our previous articles of our Biography of Francisco Franco we talked about his rise both in the morocco war like during the dictatorship of Rivera’s cousin. The advent in Spain of the Second Republic marks a new stage in the life of this historical character so controversial in history. An adverse political situation, which, however, will be the most suitable terrain to materialize his rise to power.
Frank was not in favor of the new republican governmentestablished after proclamation april 1931. Much less still of the evident ascent of the left of which the republic it was a clear expression.
However, his caution in political matters led him to accept the Republic and to swear allegiance to him. And when the uprising against the government of Sanjurjo in 1932He refused to participate in it.
The new government republican was willing to take power away from the groups military. One of the measures taken by the war minister azana was to close the General Academywhich Frank directed. For a year she remained on “availability” without playing a role in the army.
Miners detained by the Civil Guard, strike of 1934
In 1933 you will be assigned as a destination La Coruna; and soon after, the Islands Balearics. But his luck would improve with the triumph of the center right that same year. The Prime Minister Lerroux named Frank as military adviser to Government.
A decisive historical event would occur that would be a regrettable foretaste of the future. a very important strike in Asturias in October 1934. The General Franco he would be one of those responsible for “controlling the situation”.
The result was a tough repression authorized from the Condition. The troops of Moors Y legionnaires that Frank had led during war in morocco (a powerful capital that he would count on in the future as well). The balance was a massacre with more than 4,000 dead.
Franco with officers in the Canary Islands
But in 1936 the situation is once again not favorable for Frank. Triumph in the elections the Popular fronta coalition of parties of left leadered by azana. preventing a coupthe government attempted to disperse suspected coup plotters. Frank is sent to Canary Islands.
But coup it was already running. An outcome that seemed inevitable, and that found the best “justification” murder of the right-wing leader Jose Calvo-Sotelo. The July 17, 1936the uprising burst into Melillaand shortly after Frank came to Morocco to take charge of the troops, and prepare the seizure of power. The Second Republic I was in check. The Spanish Civil War had exploded.
Sources:
Biography of Francisco Franco Bahamonde, in Art History.
Second Spanish Republic, on Wikipedia
DE AMIBILIA, Miguel. Frank. In: Magazine “The men of history”, No. 30, Bs. As., Editorial Center of Latin America, s/f.
Images:
General Francoin Google
Miners detained by the Civil Guard, strike of 1934in Artehistoria
Franco with officers in the Canary Islandsin Google