José Millán-Astray

Millan

José Millán-Astray

José Millán-Astray (1879–1954) was a Spanish military officer and founder of the Spanish Foreign Legion. He was born in A Coruña, Spain, and had a distinguished military career, serving in various conflicts including the Rif War in Morocco.

Millán-Astray is best known for his role in establishing the Spanish Foreign Legion in 1920, a military unit known for its discipline and combat effectiveness. He served as the Legion's first commander and played a key role in shaping its ethos and training methods.

During the Spanish Civil War, Millán-Astray sided with the Nationalist forces led by General Francisco Franco. He was a staunch supporter of Franco's regime and played a significant role in the Nationalist propaganda efforts during the conflict.

Despite his military achievements, Millán-Astray's legacy is controversial due to his association with the repressive policies of the Franco regime. He was known for his authoritarian and nationalist views, which often clashed with more moderate voices within the military.

Millán-Astray's influence extended beyond the military sphere, as he was also involved in cultural and intellectual circles in Spain. He founded the Spanish Legion's journal, La Legión, and was a prominent figure in the Spanish nationalist movement.

In his later years, Millán-Astray's health deteriorated, and he passed away in 1954. Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, he remains a significant figure in Spanish military history.

Legacy

Millán-Astray's legacy continues to be a subject of debate in Spain, with some viewing him as a hero of the Nationalist cause and others as a symbol of authoritarianism and repression.

See also

• Spanish Foreign Legion
• Spanish Civil War