Following his victory in the Spanish Civil War, General Francisco Franco established an authoritarian dictatorship that lasted from 1939 until his death in 1975.

Franco's regime was conservative, nationalist, and staunchly anti-communist.

Spain was internationally isolated in the early years of his rule but was gradually accepted by the West during the Cold War.

The 1960s saw significant economic modernization and the growth of a tourism industry, which brought new ideas into the country.

After Franco's death in 1975, a carefully managed transition to democracy was initiated.

King Juan Carlos I, whom Franco had chosen as his successor, played a pivotal role in supporting the transition to a constitutional monarchy.

The first free elections were held in 1977, and a new democratic constitution was approved in 1978.

The new democracy faced challenges, including an attempted military coup in 1981, which was thwarted by the king.

Spain joined the European Economic Community (now the EU) in 1986, solidifying its place in modern Europe.

Spain's successful and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy is often seen as a model for other nations.