Fernando de Santiago facts for kids

Fernando de Santiago y Díaz de Mendívil (born 23 July 1910 – died 6 November 1994) was an important Spanish politician and military leader. He served as a general during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Later, he became a deputy prime minister and even briefly the acting prime minister of Spain. This happened during a time when Spain was changing from a dictatorship to a democracy in the late 1970s.

Early Military Career

Fernando de Santiago began his military career early. In the 1920s, he took part in the Second Moroccan War. This was a conflict in North Africa.

Joining the Spanish Civil War

In 1936, the Spanish Civil War began. Santiago joined the Spanish Nationalists. He fought in the war and rose through the ranks. He eventually became a lieutenant general.

Teaching at the Army College

During Franco's rule, Santiago continued his military service. He became a professor at the Escuela Politécnica Superior del Ejército. This was a top army college. Later, he became the director of this important school.

Governor of Spanish Sahara

From 1971 to 1974, Franco gave Santiago a special job. He was made the governor-general of Spanish Sahara. This region was a Spanish colony in Africa.

Managing Local Unrest

Before Santiago's arrival, Spanish forces had acted harshly. They had harmed members of a local independence movement. This event was known as the "Zemla Intifada". Santiago's role was to bring some peace to the area. He helped introduce limited self-rule for the local people. Spanish Sahara later gained its independence.

Role in Spain's Transition

After Franco died in November 1975, Spain began to change. Santiago was named the deputy prime minister for defense. He served in Spain's first government after Franco. This government was led by Prime Minister Carlos Arias Navarro.

Serving as Interim Prime Minister

When Arias Navarro resigned, Santiago stepped in. He briefly served as the interim prime minister. This was from July 1 to July 3, 1976.

Disagreement with Reforms

Later, Adolfo Suárez became the new prime minister. Santiago remained a deputy prime minister. However, he no longer oversaw the defense ministry. Suárez was a reformer. He wanted to lead Spain towards democracy. Santiago did not agree with Suárez's plans. He became a strong critic of the new government.

Resignation from Government

Suárez announced he would support a law for open elections. Santiago disagreed with this move. He sent in his resignation letter. His resignation was accepted in September 1976.

Later Life and Political Views

Even after leaving office, Santiago remained active. He met with other conservative military officials. They were worried about Spain becoming more democratic.

Meeting with Military Leaders

In September 1977, Santiago met with a group of army leaders. One of them was Jaime Milans del Bosch. They secretly wrote a letter to King Juan Carlos I. They asked the King to take action to "rescue the destiny of the Fatherland." Milans del Bosch was later involved in an attempted coup in 1981. This event is known as "23-F".

Family Life

Fernando de Santiago married María Ignacia Morales de Los Ríos y Palacio. They were married in Madrid on January 6, 1934. They had five children together. His wife passed away in 2006.

• Ana María de Santiago y Morales de Los Ríos
• María Ignacia de Santiago y Morales de Los Ríos
• María Fernanda de Santiago y Morales de Los Ríos
• María del Dulce Nombre de Santiago y Morales de Los Ríos
• Fernando de Santiago y Morales de Los Ríos

See also

In Spanish: Fernando de Santiago para niños