Francisco Franco, aged 82, died on November 20th, 1975. Born in El Ferrol, Galicia on December 4th, 1892, he was a prominent Spanish military leader and statesman. During his time in the Spanish military, Franco fought at a number of notable battles, leading troops in Spain, Northern Africa, and Morocco, and becoming the highest ranking officer in the Spanish Air Force in 1945. By 1939, he was appointed Head of State and Generalissimo of the Spanish Armed Forces. During his own period of government he took measures to improve the economy by focusing on industrial growth and imposing a reign of terror, punishing political opponents. He also lead to the end of the Spanish Civil War in April 1939 and established a dictatorship. His rule spanned a period of almost 40 years until November 20th, 1975, when he passed away aged 82.