Francoist Spain (1939-1975): Stages, Economy, and Society
Francoist Spain (1939-1975): Stages, Economy, and Society
Stage 1 (1939-1959): Totalitarianism, International Alignment, and Economic Hardship
A) Dictatorship and Totalitarianism
Following the 1939 Civil War, Francisco Franco imposed a dictatorial and totalitarian regime. Franco held absolute power as Chief of State, Head of Government, leader of the National Movement, and Generalissimo of the armies. The regime lacked democratic freedoms, political pluralism, and citizen elections. It controlled all aspects of national life (politics, economy, education, culture, and media). Key legislation included:
- Labor Law (1938): Established power-controlled unions.
- Courts Act (1942): Created a consultative chamber appointed by the Head of State.
- Jurisdiction of Spaniards (1945): Defined rights and responsibilities, many of which remained unenforced.
- National Referendum Act (1945): Allowed Franco to call referendums on pre-approved legislation.
- Succession Act of 1947: Declared Franco Head of State for life and Spain a Kingdom, causing conflict with Don Juan de Borbon.
The regime’s foundations were the Army, the Church, the Falange, monarchists, and Catholics. The Army was the primary pillar, while the Church wielded significant influence.
B) International Alignment
Initially isolated, Franco’s regime aligned with the Axis powers due to their support during the Civil War and ideological similarities. Spain’s stance shifted during World War II: from neutrality (1939-1940) to non-belligerency (1941-1943), sending the Blue Division to fight alongside Germany in the Soviet Union. Following the Axis defeat, Spain returned to neutrality. The Cold War led to improved relations with the U.S. and Great Britain, culminating in Spain’s admission to the UN in 1955 and subsequent alignment with the West through agreements with the U.S.
C) Economic Policy: Autarky and Misery
Following the Civil War, Franco adopted autarkic policies aiming for economic self-sufficiency. State control included:
- Control of foreign trade (limiting imports).
- Control of grain production and distribution (leading to black market activity).
- Rationing of basic goods (1939-1952).
Poor harvests, lack of fertilizers, and low prices for farmers caused widespread hunger. Grain imports from Argentina helped alleviate the situation. State intervention in industry occurred through the INI (National Institute of Industry). The autarkic policies resulted in declining per capita income, slow growth, high inflation, and a trade deficit. Spain’s recovery to pre-1939 GDP levels took nine years. Franco’s refusal to democratize excluded Spain from the Marshall Plan.
D) Exile, Repression, and Resistance
The Civil War resulted in a massive exodus of exiles. The Law of Political Responsibilities (1939) and the Act for the Suppression of Communism and Freemasonry (1940) were used to prosecute opponents. Limited resistance came from rural guerrilla groups (maquis) who fought against the Guardia Civil.
Stage 2 (1959-1975): Adaptation, Growth, and Social Change
2.1 Technocratic Dictatorship
The 1957 government change brought technocrats, many from Opus Dei, to key economic ministries. New laws aimed to modernize the regime but maintained its dictatorial nature. Opposition grew from various sources: the working class, demanding freedoms; new trade unions (CCOO and UGT); student movements; and neighborhood associations. The regime responded with repression.
2.2 Growth and Economic Imbalances
The 1959 Stabilization Plan aimed to liberalize the economy. The 1960s saw significant economic growth (GDP growth rates above 5% annually), fueled by:
- Positive international economic conditions.
- Foreign investment by multinational corporations.
- Tourism revenue.
- Remittances from emigrants.
- State investment in infrastructure.
This growth, however, led to imbalances: uneven regional development, a massive rural exodus, emigration, increased regional disparities, and a poor welfare system. Rapid urbanization led to inadequate infrastructure and ecological damage. The tax system remained unfair.
Social Change
Industrialization and economic growth led to:
- Growth of the working and middle classes.
- Increased female participation in the workforce.
- Changes in attitudes and customs (secularization, consumerism).
- Improved education (compulsory schooling to age 14).
These changes impacted family structures and social behavior.