Second government of Francisco Franco facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 2nd government of Francisco Franco
Government of Spain
1939–1945
Date formed	9 August 1939
Date dissolved	20 July 1945
People and organisations
Head of State	Francisco Franco
Prime Minister	Francisco Franco
No. of ministers	15 (1939–1940) 14 (1940) 13 (1940–1945)
Total no. of members	25
Member party	National Movement (Military, FET–JONS, ACNP, nonpartisans)
Status in legislature	One-party state
History
Legislature term(s)	1st Cortes Españolas
Budget(s)	1940, 1942, 1944, 1945
Predecessor	Franco I
Successor	Franco III

The second government of Francisco Franco was formed on 9 August 1939. This happened right after the end of the Spanish Civil War. It took over from Franco's first government and was in charge of Spain from August 9, 1939, to July 20, 1945. This means it lasted for almost six years.

This government was often called the "Government of Peace" or the "Government of Victory" by the media that Franco controlled. It was made up of people from different groups that supported Franco's "National Movement". These groups included the FET y de las JONS party, which was the only legal political party at the time. It also included members of the military, the National Catholic Association of Propagandists (ACNP), and some people who were not officially part of any party but supported the government. The government changed its members quite a bit during its time, with two big changes happening in May 1941 and September 1942.

What Was the Council of Ministers?

The Council of Ministers was like the main team of leaders in the government. It included the prime minister (who was Franco) and 15 different ministries. Two of these ministers were "ministers without portfolio", meaning they had a role in the government but didn't lead a specific department.

Key Leaders and Their Roles

This table shows some of the important people in Franco's second government and what jobs they had.

Changes in the Government

The government saw several changes in who held which position over its years. Here are some of the main changes:

March 1940 Changes

• The role of Minister Secretary-General of FET–JONS became empty from March 15, 1940, until May 19, 1941.

June 1940 Changes

• Juan Vigón became the Minister of the Air on June 27, 1940. He stayed in this role until July 20, 1945.

August 1940 Changes

• The position of a Minister without portfolio was removed on August 15, 1940.

October 1940 Changes

• Ramón Serrano Suñer became the Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 16, 1940. He served until September 3, 1942.
• Demetrio Carceller Segura became the Minister of Industry and Trade on October 16, 1940. He held this job until July 20, 1945.

May 1941 Changes

• Valentín Galarza became the Minister of Governance on May 5, 1941. He left on September 3, 1942.
• Joaquín Benjumea became the Minister of Finance on May 19, 1941. He stayed until July 19, 1951.
• Miguel Primo de Rivera y Sáenz de Heredia became the Minister of Agriculture on May 19, 1941. He served until July 20, 1945.
• José Antonio Girón became the Minister of Labour on May 19, 1941. He held this position until February 25, 1957.
• José Luis de Arrese became the Minister Secretary-General of FET–JONS on May 19, 1941. He stayed until July 20, 1945.
• The role of Minister without portfolio and Deputy Secretary-General of FET–JONS was removed on May 19, 1941.

September 1942 Changes

• Francisco Gómez-Jordana became the Minister of Foreign Affairs on September 3, 1942. He passed away in office on August 3, 1944.
• Blas Pérez González became the Minister of Governance on September 3, 1942. He served until February 25, 1957.
• Carlos Asensio Cabanillas became the Minister of the Army on September 3, 1942. He stayed until July 20, 1945.

March 1943 Changes

• Eduardo Aunós became the Minister of Justice on March 15, 1943. He served until July 20, 1945.

August 1944 Changes

• José Félix de Lequerica became the Minister of Foreign Affairs on August 11, 1944. He stayed until July 20, 1945.

Images for kids

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  Francisco Franco

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  Ramón Serrano Suñer

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  Juan Luis Beigbeder

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  Francisco Gómez-Jordana

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  José Enrique Varela

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  Carlos Asensio Cabanillas

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  Juan Yagüe

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  Juan Vigón

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  Esteban Bilbao

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  Eduardo Aunós

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  José Ibáñez Martín

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  José Antonio Girón

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  Agustín Muñoz Grandes

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  José Luis de Arrese

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  Rafael Sánchez Mazas

See also

In Spanish: Segundo gobierno de Francisco Franco para niños