Who was the leading figure in the Spanish Civil War opposing the republic?

The leading figure in the Spanish Civil War opposing the republic was Francisco Franco. As a military general and the head of the Nationalist forces, Franco played a crucial role in the conflict that raged from 1936 to 1939. He emerged as the dominant leader of the Nationalist faction, which consisted of conservative, monarchist, and fascist elements, all united in their opposition to the Second Spanish Republic and its leftist government.

Franco's command facilitated the organization of the Nationalist forces, leading to a military coup against the republican government that ignited the civil war. Following the winning of the war, Franco established a dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1975. His reign significantly shaped Spain's political landscape and left a lasting impact on the country's history.

The other figures mentioned have their own notable contributions to Spanish culture and history but did not lead opposing forces in the Civil War. Pablo Picasso, known for his revolutionary contributions to modern art, was an outspoken critic of the war and created works highlighting the brutality of the conflict, such as "Guernica." Juan Carlos I later became king of Spain and was instrumental in transitioning the country to democracy after Franco’s dictatorship. Federico García Lorca, a prominent poet and playwright