Andrew Desmond
8 de julio de 2026
Franco: Spain's Nemesis
In modern history, some nations have more tragic histories than others. Much of Africa has been damaged by colonialism and subsequent poor governance. Eastern Europe has been blighted by the experiment of communism. Ukraine continues to suffer to this day. By contrast, other nations seem to have a dream run.In terms of western Europe, one nation that has suffered unequivocably is Spain. Humiliated by its loss of empire, the nation turned upon itself in a horrible civil war during which Hitler and Mussolini war gamed future tactics. Of course, the spark for the civil war was Francsico Franco, a narrow minded ideologue who lived in the past and saw enemies wherever he looked.Giles Tremlett’s “El Generalisimo” is a detailed and thoroughly readable account of the life of Franco from the time of his birth in the late 19th century until his death in 1975. He ruled over Spain for two generations and whilst maintaining order, curbed personal freedoms, shackled the economy and made Spain a pariah state within Europe. Franco had few if any redeeming features.I recommend “El Generalisimo” to any reader wishing to understand modern Spain. Fortunately, the nation has moved on from Franco. The nation is a better place for having done so.Ver másVer menos
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