Franco Regime: 1959-1975
1. Political Aspects
Technocratic Government (1959-1973)
During the 1950s, a shift in regime policy began with the appointment of Opus Dei technocrats as government ministers. This influence grew significantly in the 1960s, leading to economic policy changes and the abandonment of autarky. Key features of this era include:
- The rise of Opus Dei technocrats aimed to liberalize the Spanish economy by opening it to foreign investment and integrating it into the Western capitalist market.
- Opus Dei ministers increasingly dominated the government, controlling areas like education, information, and justice.
- In 1973, Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco became Prime Minister, while Franco remained Head of State.
Organic Law of the State (1967)
This law, the last fundamental law of the Franco regime, was presented as Spain’s definitive constitution. However, its approval by an undemocratic Cortes and an 85% electorate was not universally accepted.
Law of Succession (1947, 1969)
The 1947 Law of Succession declared Spain a kingdom. In 1969, Franco agreed with Juan de Borbón to educate his son, Juan Carlos, in Spain. Juan Carlos subsequently swore allegiance to the Principles of the Movement and was appointed Prince of Spain.
2. Economic Aspects
Between 1959 and 1975, Spain’s economy underwent a significant transformation under technocratic leadership and favorable international conditions. Key economic activities include:
Stabilization Plan (1959)
This plan marked the end of autarky and secured loans from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and the U.S. In return, Spain opened its economy to foreign investment and goods, successfully relaunching industrialization and integrating into the international economy.
Development Plans
Three development plans aimed to address structural deficiencies and create development hubs, but these goals were largely unmet.
Industrial Development and Implications
The 1960s saw growth in industry and services, leading to a significant rural exodus. This “Spanish economic miracle” was fueled by tourism revenue, foreign investments, and remittances from emigrants. The primary beneficiaries were banks and large industrial groups.
3. Social and Cultural Aspects
From the social point of view its most characteristic features are:
– Surplus labor and stopped by the technological upgrading and mechanization of labor.
– Internal Migration à because there was a rural exodus.
– Emigration outside because there was a mass migration to Europe.
As a result Spain experienced significant social changes:
“Increasing urban population
-Increase of industrial workers
-Increase of the middle classes
“New social behavior: incorporating women into the workplace.
-Cultural: reduction of illiteracy
-Removal of the Church of the Regime
Anti-Franco opposition 4.LA
This opposition grew because of social changes.
– The new labor movement: The UGT and CCOO, such as underground unions infiltrated the official trade unions. CNT disappeared. The PCE and PSOE continued to operate in secrecy with the PSP, ORT and CM.
– The bourgeoisie communist met the Conspiracy of Munich (representatives of the Spanish opposition in exile and inside.
– The University: emerging trends in student organizations and related to different political parties.
5.LA FINAL CRISIS OF THE SCHEME
All these economic and social changes were not accompanied by political change of the Franco regime, whose final crisis is accentuated by the assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco (Prime Minister) by the terrorist group ETA.
Two trends emerged: immobile supporters not to change anything.
OPENING nonpartisan, but some aspects of reform: Carlos Arias Navarro, Carrero’s successor, announced a Law of Political Associations, but the system was unable to democratize.
One of the most important was the constitution called Democratic Board, a body of opposition to Franco was born in Paris and led by the Communist Party of Spain (PCE), led by Santiago Carrillo in his last year, R. Anti-Terrorism Act enacted which served to condemn to death a 5 ETA activists. They were executed despite domestic and international protests, once again, Spain was internationally isolated.
The Agreement was signed in Madrid: which gave the Sahara to Morocco and Mauritania.
Franco died after a long illness on November 20, 1975. Juan Carlos would happen to the Head of State as foreseen in the Law of Succession. Changed the political system.