Constitution in December 1931. Manuel Azaña remained as Prime Minister, head of the government, until 12 September 1933. Presidents (Prime Ministers) of the Provisional Government of the Republic Presidents of the Republic With Franco's victory imminent, a National Council of Defense was established to negotiate a peace settlement with the Nationalists. By this point, Franco effectively had military control of the whole country. Presidents of the National Council of Defense (Republican Zone) Fall of the Republic On 27 February 1939, after both France and the United Kingdom had recognised Franco's military victory, President Manuel Azaña, exiled in France, resigned. The following week, the so-called Casado's Coup against Prime Minister Negrín's government led to the creation of the National Defence Council which attempted, unsuccessfully to negotiate terms, with Franco breaking off talks motu proprio. Following Franco's final offensive at the end of March 1939, the Republic fell. Presidents of the Spanish Republic in exile (1939–1977) Timeline See also List of Spanish monarchs List of Spanish regents List of heads of state of Spain References Political history of Spain