Stanley G. Payne

Stanley G. Payne, born on September 9, 1934, is a distinguished American historian renowned for his expertise in the history of modern Spain and European fascist movements. He has dedicated a significant portion of his academic career to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he has made substantial contributions to the field of history.

After retiring from full-time teaching in two thousand four, Payne has held the title of Professor Emeritus in the Department of History. His scholarly works, particularly those focusing on the Spanish Civil War and the Francoist period, have garnered him a reputation as one of America's most prolific historians of Spain by the 1980s.

In the twenty-first century, however, Payne's later publications have sparked debate among historians. His revisionist approach has drawn criticism for being overly sympathetic to Falangism and for allegedly perpetuating Francoist narratives. Despite this, many historians have also recognized the value of his contributions, with notable praise coming from figures such as Julius Ruiz in two thousand eighteen for his work, 'Alcala Zamora and the Failure of the Spanish Republic.'