Fernando de Santiago y Díaz facts for kids
Fernando de Santiago y Díaz de Mendívil (born July 23, 1910 – died November 6, 1994) was an important Spanish politician. He served as the deputy and temporary Prime Minister of Spain during a special time in Spanish history called the Spanish transition to democracy. This was when Spain moved from being a dictatorship to a democratic country in the late 1970s.
Before becoming a politician, Fernando de Santiago was a high-ranking general in the Spanish Army. He fought in the Spanish Civil War and later served under the government of Francisco Franco, who was a dictator.
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
Fernando de Santiago y Díaz
|
|
|---|---|
| 72nd President of the Government of Spain 2nd of Democratic Transition (1975–1977) |
|
| In office July 1, 1976 – July 3, 1976 |
|
| Monarch | Juan Carlos I |
| Vice President | Juan Miguel Villar Mir |
| Preceded by | Carlos Arias Navarro |
| Succeeded by | Adolfo Suárez |
| Governor-General of the Spanish Sahara | |
| In office March 4, 1971 – April 24, 1974 |
|
| Preceded by | José María Pérez de Lerma |
| Succeeded by | Federico Gómez de Salazar |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Fernando de Santiago y Díaz de Mendívil
July 23, 1910 Madrid, Spain |
| Died | November 6, 1994 (aged 84) Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | Spain |
| Political party | Falange (1936-1980) Movimiento Nacional |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Army |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | Superior Polytechnic Army College |
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Fernando de Santiago was born in Madrid, Spain, on July 23, 1910. He chose a career in the military and became a professional soldier. He rose through the ranks to become a general.
Role in the Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War was a big conflict in Spain from 1936 to 1939. Fernando de Santiago fought in this war. After the war, he continued his military service under the government of Francisco Franco. Franco's government was a dictatorship, meaning one person had all the power.
Governor of Spanish Sahara
From 1971 to 1974, Fernando de Santiago served as the Governor-General of the Spanish Sahara. This was a territory in Africa that was controlled by Spain at the time. As governor, he was in charge of managing the area.
Political Career
After his time as governor, Fernando de Santiago became involved in the Spanish government. He was known for his conservative views, which means he generally preferred traditional ways and gradual changes.
Deputy Prime Minister
In 1975, after the death of Francisco Franco, Spain began its journey to become a democracy. Fernando de Santiago was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister. This role is like a second-in-command to the Prime Minister. He worked with the Prime Minister to help lead the country during this important time.
Interim Prime Minister
For a very short period in July 1976, Fernando de Santiago served as the interim Prime Minister of Spain. "Interim" means temporary. He held this top position for just a few days before a new Prime Minister, Adolfo Suárez, was appointed. His brief time as interim leader was part of the big changes happening in Spain as it moved towards democracy.
Later Life and Legacy
Fernando de Santiago passed away on November 6, 1994, in Madrid. He is remembered for his long career in both the military and politics, especially for his role during Spain's transition to a democratic country.
See also
In Spanish: Fernando de Santiago para niños
