Franco Era: Economic Shifts, Political Crisis, and Decline
Economic and Social Change in Franco’s Spain
Bridging deficiencies and the application of the postwar Marshall Plan brought major changes in culture and mentality. Spain stabilized, and economic growth occurred. A set of economic measures were initiated to correct existing imbalances. The Stabilization Plan in 1959 successfully stabilized the economy. This plan produced economic growth and a series of measures to stimulate the economy, including Development Plans, the creation of development zones, and the Reference Agreement.
Development mainly affected the industry, changing the nature of Spanish exports from raw materials to industrial products. However, agriculture was similar due to various factors, including the “tourist boom,” immigration, and foreign capital. The 1960s saw diverse changes, including population growth, urbanization, and a shift from agricultural activities to a new social structure.
The improvement of living standards influenced the formation of customs and modification of daily life. Education improved, reducing illiteracy, and women were incorporated into the workforce.
The Beginning of the Political Crisis in the Franco Regime
The profound socio-economic changes in Spanish society were not accompanied by corresponding political transformations. Syndicalism emerged in Spain with CCOO increasing labor disputes, increased student unrest, and awakened nationalism. The terrorist group ETA emerged, but the regime did not take any measures, treating it as simple disturbances.
The system’s thinking began to crumble, reducing the authoritarian image. In 1966, the Organic Law was approved, a kind of legislative constitution. The Press Law attenuated the rigors of censorship, and the right to strike was enacted. In 1969, Franco proclaimed Juan Carlos as Prince of Bourbon. That same year, a government crisis occurred due to the “Martisa” affair (Clothing company?). Attempts at liberalization were unfeasible as the regime was in decline.
Many went into exile, remaining Republican, while an important monarchical sector teamed up around Juan Carlos de Borbón. The most active group was the PCE, which fought against Francoism. In the armed opposition of the 1950s, the communist opposition abandoned the armed struggle and struck favorable movements in the media and intellectual circles.
The Decline of Franco’s Regime
In 1973, Carrero Blanco was appointed President but was assassinated by ETA in the same year. Arias Navarro succeeded him and initiated a dreaded opening, enacting the Terrorism Act, leading to a severe situation of protest and repression. Protests generalized from the universities to factories, organizing strikes. On November 20, 1975, Franco died. Two days later, Juan Carlos I was crowned King of Spain.
Spain had been strengthened since the law in the field of Christian democracy from clandestinity. In April, the Spanish recognized the principle of independence from Spanish Morocco and the unity of the sultanate, although they maintained certain cities and territories. Tangiers (which had gained international status in 1912) was incorporated into Morocco in October 1956, while Spain returned the Sahara. Mohamed V signed the independence.