Examine the role of Juan Carlos in Spain’s peaceful transition to democracy.

The question requires that candidates consider the role of Juan Carlos in Spain’s peaceful transition to democracy. Candidates may suggest that his role was significant or not and they may address other factors to contextualize Juan Carlos’s role. However, the bulk of the response will be on Juan Carlos. Some of the factors that may be reviewed are the King’s liberal and democratic principles following his accession to the throne, his encouragement of the revival of political parties and an amnesty for political prisoners. His appointment of reformist prime minister Adolfo Suárez was significant. In 1981, Juan Carlos took swift action to defeat a military coup that threatened to topple Spain’s nascent democracy. The consequent weakening of the military sector preserved democracy and made the formation of a socialist government possible in late 1982.