Francoist Spain: Dictatorship, Repression, and Economic Hardship
1. Franco’s Dictatorship
1.1 Features of Francoism
The Franco regime, legitimized solely by the Civil War, was characterized by extreme authoritarianism.
Totalitarianism: Inspired by Italian Fascism and German Nazism, the Franco dictatorship abolished the 1931 Constitution, along with individual and collective guarantees. Parliament was dissolved, and political parties and unions were banned.
Caudillismo: Franco, as Caudillo of Spain, held absolute power. He was head of state, prime minister, and Generalissimo of the armed forces, leading the Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS, the sole political party.
Centralized State: Franco abolished regional autonomy and promoted the suppression of Catalan, Basque, and Galician identities.
Repression: A legislative and institutional apparatus was created to eliminate political opponents.
Media Control: Media outlets were subjected to strict censorship and used for Francoist propaganda.
1.2 Pillars of the Regime
The dictatorship’s main pillars were the army, the single party, and the Catholic Church. The army actively participated in power. The Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS provided the regime’s ideological foundation, controlled the media, and filled administrative positions. To ensure social support, the party created:
- Frente de Juventudes: Youth indoctrination.
- Sección Femenina: Women’s training in Christian and nationalist values.
- Sindicato Español Universitario (SEU): Political control of universities.
- Central Nacional Sindicalista (CNS): Control of employers and employees.
The Catholic Church played a key role in legitimizing the regime. In return for its support, the Church received generous funding, controlled the education system, and promoted Catholic morals.
1.3 Social Support
The dictatorship initially had the support of economic and social elites, small landowners, and the middle class in northern and central Spain. The middle class, traumatized by the Civil War’s social revolution, became passive and apolitical. The working class, considered losers of the war, were silenced by repression and fear. The desire for peace and stability, despite the high price, was prevalent. Workers eventually became the regime’s main opponents, staging demonstrations for better living and working conditions.
1.4 Francoist Catalonia
Francoism in Catalonia was supported by industrialists, landowners, merchants, and financiers. Political positions were filled by individuals loyal to the regime, including Falangists, Carlists, monarchists, and members of conservative forces like the Catalan League. Key authorities in Catalonia were often outsiders.
1.5 “Families” of the Regime
Within the Movimiento Nacional, various factions coexisted. Falangists, Carlists, and monarchists initially held significant influence. After World War II, Catholic groups like the Asociación Católica Nacional de Propagandistas (ACNDP) gained prominence, advocating for an “organic democracy.”
2. Institutionalized Repression
2.1 Instruments of Repression
Franco aimed to destroy all opposition, including Republicans, socialists, communists, Freemasons, and Catalan nationalists. Repression was institutionalized through laws and institutions. The Law of Political Responsibilities (1939) targeted those who collaborated with the Republic. The Law of Suppression of Communism and Freemasonry (1940) criminalized dissent. The Tribunal de Orden Público (TOP) (1963) handled political crimes. Military courts and courts-martial also played a role. An estimated 150,000 people were executed for political reasons across Spain, with 4,000 in Catalonia. In 1940, there were 280,000 prisoners in Spain, including 23,300 women. Many prisoners were sent to forced labor battalions.
2.2 Confiscation and Purges
Repression was accompanied by property confiscation. Properties of exiles and Republicans were seized, and assets of Republican-linked organizations were transferred to the regime. In Catalonia, over 14,000 people were affected by economic sanctions and confiscations. A purge of officials took place, and private companies were pressured to dismiss exiles and leftists.
2.3 Policy Towards Catalonia
Franco aimed to eradicate “Catalan separatism.” The Statute of Autonomy was abolished in 1938, ending self-government. A centralist regime was imposed, promoting a uniform “Spanish spirit.” Catalan symbols were banned, street names were changed, and monuments were removed. Catalan language and culture were suppressed.
3. International Relations
3.1 World War II and National Syndicalism (1939-1945)
Spain declared neutrality in World War II. Domestically, the Falange gained prominence, promoting a National Syndicalist state. While officially neutral, Spain cooperated with the Axis powers, providing strategic materials and sending the Blue Division to fight alongside German troops.
3.2 International Boycott (1945-1947)
After the war, Spain faced international isolation. The UN recommended the withdrawal of ambassadors from Madrid. Spain was excluded from the Marshall Plan and NATO.
3.3 International Recognition and National Catholicism (1947-1953)
The Cold War led to a shift in international relations. Spain’s anti-communist stance facilitated its gradual acceptance. In 1951, the government was reshuffled to improve relations with Western powers. National Catholicism gained prominence, and figures like Admiral Carrero Blanco rose to power. Agreements with the US in 1953 granted the US access to military bases in Spain. In return, Spain received military and economic aid.
3.4 Early Attempts at Opening (1953-1959)
Spain’s economic situation remained difficult. Worker protests and student dissent emerged. The government initiated economic liberalization. Technocrats from Opus Dei were appointed to key positions.
4. Structure of the New State
4.1 Fundamental Laws
The Francoist state was legally structured through a series of laws. Power was concentrated in Franco. Key laws included the Fuero del Trabajo (1938), the Fuero de los Españoles, the Law of Succession (1947), and the Organic Law of the State (1966).
4.2 Organic Democracy
Inspired by Italian corporatism, the regime promoted “organic democracy,” suppressing political parties. The Cortes (parliament) was established in 1942, with representatives appointed by the regime. Civil governors and military governors controlled the provinces. Vertical unions, known as the Organización Sindical Española (OSE), controlled labor relations, suppressing collective bargaining and strikes.
5. Autarky and Rationing
5.1 Autarky and its Effects (1939-1959)
The autarkic policy focused on self-sufficiency. Foreign trade was regulated, imports were restricted, and strategic industries were prioritized. The Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) was founded in 1941 to promote industrial development. The agricultural sector was also regulated. Autarky led to economic stagnation, declining living standards, and a slowdown in modernization.
5.2 Rationing and Black Market
State control of the market led to food shortages and rationing. The black market thrived due to price controls.
5.3 Harsh Living Conditions
Inflation and low wages led to a decline in living standards. Shantytowns grew, and mortality rates increased. Life expectancy in 1945 was 47 years for men and 53 for women.
6. Social Unrest
6.1 Resurgence of Social Unrest
In the late 1940s, popular protests, particularly among workers, began to reemerge. Strikes occurred in the textile and metallurgical industries. The 1951 Barcelona tram strike was a significant event. Student protests also emerged in the mid-1950s.