Franco became a Brigadier General in 1926.  In 1934 he became the commander of the Spanish army.  In 1936  Franco led a revolt against the elected government of Spain.  The revolt turned into the Spanish Civil War, for which Franco received extensive aid from Hitler and Mussolini.  After winning the war, Franco became the leader of the one party state of Spain.  He ruled until his death.  In 1969 he nominated Prince Juan Carlos to succeed him.