Giles Tremlett’s El Generalísimo is a well-researched biography of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, explaining his rise from an unremarkable military officer to one of Europe’s longest ruling dictators.
Franco was an enigma to some degree - fascist by many definitions, at minimum a nationalist dictator that fused a strong religious dogma within state convention. Spain struggled to recover from its Civil War in the 1930’s, mostly because of Franco’s policies, until a monetary bailout plus increasing affluence in Europe helped drive tourism and exports, almost both by accident. In the wake of Franco’s death in 1975, the Spanish monarchy was restored and Juan Carlos I quickly brought about changes to ensure representative government and modernization within Spain. Tremlett covers not only Franco’s life but the aftermath of his rule with effective, balanced coverage.
Tremlett explains complex military and political developments in Spain in the early 20th Century to help readers understand why the political environment was such that someone like Franco was able to take control of Spain’s government. One of the book’s greatest strengths is Tremlett’s argument that Franco’s rise to power and enduring control of the Spanish government came less from his personal charisma or fervent ideology and more from patience, discipline, and an ability to outlast rivals. This interpretation challenges the idea that Franco’s rise was inevitable, emphasizing how chance events, especially the Spanish Civil War and specific events within the war itself, played a decisive role in ensuring Franco took over as Caudillo of Spain.
Overall, El Generalísimo is an engaging and insightful biography that offers a nuanced understanding of Franco and the conditions that enabled his rise, making it valuable for both students and general readers interested in Spanish history.
MY RATING: 4.5
