Roles of Spanish Rulers

Francisco Franco

Dictator of Spain for 40 years

Was a soldier until 1934 or 1935

Took over Spain after civil war

Thousands executed by his regime

Died in 1975 during transition to democracy

Juan Carlos I

King of Spain from 1975-2014

Abdicated in 2014

Known for incorporation of the infusion of democracy

Felipe VI

Son of Juan Carlos I

Current king of Spain

Now gov is constitutional monarchy with parliament and prime minister

Carlos I

Grandson of Ferdinand and Isabella

Golden age began when he was king of Spain from 1516-1556

Felipe II

Son of Carlos I

King of Spain from 1556-1598

Built Escorial monastery

Felipe IV

King from 1621-1640

King after Phillip III

Sponsor of painter Diego de Velazquez

Carlos II

The bewitched

Ugliest king of all

King from 1665-1700

Product of 16 generations of incest causing serious illness

Napoleon

In 1808 Spain fell under French influence for next 100 years until defeat of French army during peninsular war

Napoleon places his brother Joseph I on the throne in 1813