The monarchy was the most common form of government in Europe’s history through the middle ages. Republicanism became more widespread in the Early Modern times, but monarchy was still the main state structure during the 19th century. Although the majority of monarchies have been abolished since the end of World War I, nowadays, there still remain twelve sovereign monarchies in Europe. The Spanish monarchy is frequently called "La Corona," which means "The Crown." It is the highest post in Spain and a constitutional institution. After the Francoist system came to an end with the death of Francisco Franco, a Spanish commander turned dictator, the 1978 Spanish constitution restored the idea that Spain should be governed as a constitutional monarchy.