As well as being very politically astute, Franco was also competent tactically – his decision to fight a war of attrition played into the hands of the Nationalists who were better equipped and organised than the Republicans.

On March 28, 1939, the Republicans finally surrendered Madrid, bringing the Spanish Civil War to an end. Up to a million lives were lost in the conflict, the most devastating in Spanish history. Franco subsequently served as dictator of Spain until his death in 1975.

The Outbreak of the Conflict The Spanish Civil War began on July 17, 1936, when generals Emilio Mola and Francisco Franco launched an uprising aimed at overthrowing the country’s democratically elected republic. Some Spanish officers remained loyal to the Republic and refused to join the uprising.

Socialism was established by the Nationalist Party. Spain’s new government was an ally of the Soviet Union. During the Spanish Civil War, Republicans fought to support a democratic government for Spain while Nationalists fought to support a Spanish dictatorship.

Portugal – Portugal was officially neutral during World War II. However, it maintained a close relationship with the UK, due to the alliance it had for the last six hundred years, which is the longest lasting military alliance in history.

Neutrality during World War II Many countries made neutrality declarations during World War II. However, of the European states closest to the war, only Andorra, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland (with Liechtenstein), and Vatican (the Holy See) remained neutral to the end.

The Mexican military has been under civilian government control with no President of Mexico being military generals since 1946. Mexico stood among the Allies of World War II and was one of two Latin American nations to send combat troops to serve in the Second World War.

Mexican forces, led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna, invaded the disputed region and crushed the defenders at the Battle of the Alamo in March of 1836. Santa Anna was soundly defeated by General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto in April of 1836, however, and Texas won its independence.

Here are some of the most awesome things you had no idea Mexico gave the world, from the Mesoamerican peoples to the modern day.

• Popcorn.
• Chewing Gum.
• Kahlúa.
• Oral Contraceptives.
• Anti-Graffiti Paint.
• Indelible Ink.
• Colour Television.
• Tortilla Machine.

But the country has produced many other famous instruments and here’s a look at five of the coolest.

• Vihuela.
• ArpaJarocha.
• Ocarina.
• Marimba.
• Cantaro.

Famous Spanish Artists

1. Pablo Picaso. Picasso is considered to be one of the most famous painters of the 20th century.
2. Salvador Dali. Salvador Dali is not only one of the most famous Spanish artists, but also one of the pioneers of surrealism in painting.
3. Diego Velasquez.
4. Joan Miro.
5. Francisco De Goya.
6. El Greco.
7. Juan Gris.
8. Francisco Zurbarán.

José Clemente Orozco, (born Nov. 23, 1883, Ciudad Guzmán, Mex. —died Sept. 7, 1949, Mexico City), Mexican painter, considered the most important 20th-century muralist to work in fresco.

Mexico’s 10 Most Iconic Artists

• Frida Kahlo. Perhaps the most iconic Mexican artist, the incomparable Frida Kahlo has to be our first mention.
• Diego Rivera. Her two-time husband, Diego Rivera, can’t go without a mention either.
• Leonora Carrington.
• José Clemente Orozco.
• David Alfaro Siqueiros.
• Sebastián.
• Gabriel Orozco.
• Carlos Almaraz.

Some well known Mexican artists include Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Carlos Merida, in addition to many other talented artists of Mexican descent. Perhaps one of the most famous Mexican painters, Frida Kahlo was a self portrait artist who is still today considered a feminist icon.