Francoism and the Spanish Transition to Democracy
Franco’s Regime (1939-1975)
The Early Years (1939-1955)
Franco’s regime was characterized by:
- A single-party system.
- Rejection of representative democracy.
- Absence of political and trade union freedoms.
- Concentration of power in Franco.
The early years were marked by product shortages, Spain’s ambiguous neutrality in World War II, and international isolation. In 1950, a political opening began, culminating in Spain’s UN membership, supported by the US.
Later Francoism (1955-1975)
This phase saw a decline in the prominence of figures linked to the national movement and the implementation of minimal reforms alongside development plans. From the 1960s, student and labor movements, along with political organizations banned by the regime, gained increasing prominence.
Economy and Society Under Franco
Key features of this period include:
- Autarkic economic policies due to war destruction and international isolation.
- A division between “winners” and “losers,” with widespread shortages in the 1940s and 50s.
- Economic development in the 1960s transformed Spanish society, with rapid urban growth and a shift of the labor force to the secondary and tertiary sectors due to rural migration.
- Rapid industrialization, foreign investment, remittances from emigrants, and tourism fueled economic development from 1960.
Post-War Period
The Spanish Democratic Transition (1975-1982)
Two days after Franco’s death, Juan Carlos I became King of Spain. In the summer of 1976, Adolfo Suárez, a politician with roots in the Franco regime, was appointed Prime Minister. A few months later, the Political Reform Act was approved, initiating the transition to democracy. On June 15, the Union of Democratic Center (UCD) — comprising Christian Democrats, Liberals, and Social Democrats — won the first general elections.
The inauguration of the first Cortes (Parliament) marked the beginning of a constituent process, leading to the drafting of the Spanish Constitution. After a year of intense work, the Constitution was approved by referendum on December 6, 1978.
From the outset, the monarchy had the support of the armed forces and the reformist political class that emerged from the former regime. The new political structure of the state was based on three principles:
- Generality: All regions could become autonomous communities.
- Homogeneity: Similar powers were attributed to self-government institutions.
- Solidarity: An attempt to balance the different Spanish regions.
The government undertook an ambitious improvement program with major economic and fiscal reforms, achieving consensus among parliamentary political parties through the Moncloa Pact, signed in October 1977.
Political erosion caused by autonomic problems, the deteriorating economy, persistent terrorism, and increasing isolation within his party, led President Suárez to resign in January 1981. During the inauguration of his successor, Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, on February 23, 1981, a coup attempt was foiled by the Crown’s firmness, the Spanish people’s composure, and the inaction of most of the military. In May 1982, Spain formally joined NATO.
The October 1982 elections resulted in a victory for the Socialist Party, led by Felipe González. The political system, established years earlier, demonstrated its validity by facilitating a significant alternation of power. From the outset, the government confronted the ongoing economic crisis, launching a program of industrial restructuring.