Throughout modern history there has always been a constant presence of Muslims in Spain, many of whom were former slaves (known as 'moros cortados') freed in the early 18th century. Spain's proximity to North Africa and its small land border with the Kingdom of Morocco (and Spanish colonial rule in North Africa, which lasted from 1912 to 1975) made the Muslim presence in Spain possible. Moroccan Muslims played a significant role during Spain's Civil War (1936–1939), fighting on the Nationalist side, including a Lieutenant General named Mohamed Meziane, a close friend of General Francisco Franco, who later became Captain General of Ceuta, Galicia and governor of the Canary Islands during his post-war career.