The predecessor of King Juan Carlos of Spain was General Francisco Franco. Franco ruled as the dictator of Spain from 1939 until his death in 1975. During his reign, Franco established a fascist dictatorship and suppressed political opposition through censorship and repression.

After Franco's death, King Juan Carlos played a key role in the transition to democracy in Spain. He was crowned as king in 1975 and worked to guide the country towards a constitutional monarchy. Juan Carlos played a crucial role in preventing a military coup in 1981 and was widely respected for his efforts to promote democracy and stability in Spain.

During his reign, King Juan Carlos faced criticism and controversy, particularly in his later years. In 2014, he abdicated the throne in favor of his son, King Felipe VI, amidst a series of scandals that tarnished his reputation. Despite his contributions to the transition to democracy in Spain, Juan Carlos' legacy is now overshadowed by allegations of corruption and financial misconduct.

For more information on the reign of King Juan Carlos and his predecessor General Francisco Franco, you can visit the following links:

• Biography of General Francisco Franco
• Biography of King Juan Carlos
• History.com article on Francisco Franco
• History.com article on King Juan Carlos

Overall, the reign of King Juan Carlos and the legacy of General Franco have had a significant impact on the history of Spain. From dictatorship to democracy, the transition of power in Spain reflects the country's complex and tumultuous history.

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