PBS America

At the end of a bloody civil war, Francisco Franco seized power and ruled Spain with an iron hand for nearly four decades. (Part 1 of 4) (S).

Franco gave himself the title of Caudillo de España - Supreme Leader of Spain - and created his own rituals of power. (Part 2 of 4) (S).

At the end of the Second World War, the cards in global politics were reshuffled, and the situation became critical for Franco. (Part 3 of 4) (S).

In the mid-1950s Franco's foreign policy successes opened up new perspectives for Spain - and new challenges. (Part 4 of 4) (S).

Franco experienced a remarkable rise through the ranks of the Spanish army. The Civil War became his opportunity to seize absolute power in Spain. (Part 1 of 2) (S).

Having come to power through a coup, General Franco manoeuvred from 1939 until his death in 1975 to remain in control. (Part 2 of 2) (S).

At the end of a bloody civil war, Francisco Franco seized power and ruled Spain with an iron hand for nearly four decades. (Part 1 of 4) (S).

Franco gave himself the title of Caudillo de España - Supreme Leader of Spain - and created his own rituals of power. (Part 2 of 4) (S).

At the end of the Second World War, the cards in global politics were reshuffled, and the situation became critical for Franco. (Part 3 of 4) (S).

In the mid-1950s Franco's foreign policy successes opened up new perspectives for Spain - and new challenges. (Part 4 of 4) (S).

European fascists arrive in Madrid, and protected by the Franco regime, they weave a secret web known as ratlines in order to escape the Allied forces. (S).

Franco experienced a remarkable rise through the ranks of the Spanish army. The Civil War became his opportunity to seize absolute power in Spain. (Part 1 of 2) (S).

Having come to power through a coup, General Franco manoeuvred from 1939 until his death in 1975 to remain in control. (Part 2 of 2) (S).