Emilio Mola

Emilio Mola Vidal (1887–1937) was a Spanish army general and a principal organizer of the military conspiracy that launched the July 1936 uprising against the Second Spanish Republic, helping to trigger the Spanish Civil War. A veteran officer, he served in Morocco and later held senior posts, including Director-General of Security under the Republic. In 1936 he coordinated planning among rebel commanders and issued political directives and proclamations, earning the nickname “the Director.” After the coup, he commanded Nationalist forces in northern Spain. Mola died in an airplane crash near Burgos in June 1937.