1930s: In their attempt to modernize their governmental bodies, the Spanish have banished their royal family. The last acting king, Alfonso XIII, resides in Portugal in exile, refusing to give up his claim to the throne.

Today: Despite its status as a democracy, Spain, like England, has a royal family whose ceremonial presence serves as a national symbol of unity. The current popular king, Juan Carlos I, is the grandson of Alfonso XIII.

1930s: Spanish society suffers a period of profound political instability that eventually erupts in the brutal Civil War of 1936-1939. This war's conclusion brings Spain under the rule of the dictator General Francisco Franco.

Today: Spain is a parliamentary democracy like all other European nations and is a part of the European Union.

1930s: Antifascist sympathizers the world over congregate in Spain to fight against the forces of General Francisco Franco...