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The Last Stalinist: The Life of Santiago Carrillo

Branson Carter

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Santiago Carrillo was born in 1915 in Gijón, Spain. His father was a shoemaker and his mother was a seamstress. Carrillo grew up in a poor but loving home. He was a bright child and excelled in school. In 1931, he joined the Spanish Communist Party (PCE).

The Last Stalinist: The Life of Santiago Carrillo

by Paul Preston

4.5 out of 5

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When the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936, Carrillo fought on the side of the Republicans. He was a brave and skilled soldier, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1939, the Republicans were defeated and Carrillo was forced to flee into exile.

Carrillo spent the next 20 years in exile in the Soviet Union. He became a close associate of Joseph Stalin and was indoctrinated into the Stalinist ideology. In 1956, Stalin died and Carrillo was able to return to Spain.

Carrillo became the leader of the PCE in 1960. He was a hardline Stalinist and was opposed to any reforms that would have weakened the party's control over Spanish society. In 1977, Spain transitioned to democracy and Carrillo legalized the PCE. However, the party was never able to regain the support it had lost during the Franco dictatorship.

Carrillo remained the leader of the PCE until 1982. He retired from politics in 1992 and died in 2012. Carrillo was a controversial figure throughout his life. He was both admired and hated, but there is no doubt that he was a major figure in Spanish history.

Carrillo's Early Life

Santiago Carrillo was born on January 18, 1915, in Gijón, Spain. His father, Wenceslao Carrillo, was a shoemaker and his mother, María Soledad Solares, was a seamstress. Carrillo grew up in a poor but loving home. He was a bright child and excelled in school.

In 1931, Carrillo joined the Spanish Communist Party (PCE). He was drawn to the party's promise of social justice and equality. Carrillo quickly became a leading figure in the PCE and was elected to the party's Central Committee in 1932.

Carrillo in the Spanish Civil War

When the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936, Carrillo fought on the side of the Republicans. He was a brave and skilled soldier, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1937, he was appointed commander of the 11th Division of the Republican Army.

Carrillo fought with distinction during the Spanish Civil War. He was wounded several times, but he never wavered in his commitment to the Republican cause. In 1939, the Republicans were defeated and Carrillo was forced to flee into exile.

Carrillo in Exile in the Soviet Union

Carrillo spent the next 20 years in exile in the Soviet Union. He became a close associate of Joseph Stalin and was indoctrinated into the Stalinist ideology. Carrillo was a loyal supporter of Stalin and defended the Soviet dictator's policies.

In 1956, Stalin died and Carrillo was able to return to Spain. He became the leader of the PCE in 1960. Carrillo was a hardline Stalinist and was opposed to any reforms that would have weakened the party's control over Spanish society.

Carrillo's Leadership of the PCE

Carrillo led the PCE for over 20 years. He was a controversial figure, but he was also a skilled politician. Carrillo was able to keep the PCE united during a period of great turmoil. He also helped to rebuild the party's organization and increase its membership.

In 1977, Spain transitioned to democracy and Carrillo legalized the PCE. However, the party was never able to regain the support it had lost during the Franco dictatorship. Carrillo retired from politics in 1992 and died in 2012.

Carrillo's Legacy

Santiago Carrillo was a controversial figure throughout his life. He was both admired and hated, but there is no doubt that he was a major figure in Spanish history. Carrillo was a lifelong communist and he never wavered in his commitment to the cause of social justice. He was also a survivor. He spent 20 years in exile, but he never gave up on his dream of a better Spain.

Carrillo's legacy is complex. He was a hardline Stalinist, but he was also a pragmatist. He was able to adapt to changing circumstances and he helped to bring the PCE into the democratic fold. Carrillo was a flawed figure, but he was also a man of courage and conviction. He will be remembered as one of the most important figures in Spanish history.

The Last Stalinist: The Life of Santiago Carrillo

by Paul Preston

4.5 out of 5