Francoist Spain: Ideology, Politics, and International Relations
Francoist State Building Fundamentals
Franco ideologically concentrated all power from the outset. Key ideological components included:
- Anti-communism: The victors of the war labeled all opposition as “red communists,” ranging from the far left to bourgeois democrats. This intensified during the Cold War.
- Anti-parliamentarism: Parliamentarianism was deemed detrimental and associated with Marxism. After WWII, it was replaced with an “organic democracy” system.
- National Catholicism: The Church dominated social life, controlled education, and enforced strict Catholic morality, with violations punishable by law.
- Traditionalism: Glorification of Castilian symbols and history, particularly the Reconquista and Imperial Spain, promoted national unity. Regional autonomy was seen as anti-Spanish.
- Militarism: Constant reminders of the war victory and the army’s role in defending national unity were propagated through media.
Fascist Traits:
- Distinct symbols and uniforms inspired by fascism and Nazism.
- Existence of a single party.
- Exaltation of the leader.
- Contempt for institutions and use of violence to control the masses.
Social Bases of the Dictatorship
The dictatorship restored power to the upper class landowners and financiers, who retained their properties and dominated social life. They were joined by the military and Falangists enriched during the war. The rural middle classes also supported the regime. Many benefited from purges of officials, teachers, academics, and republicans. The urban middle class, laborers, and proletariat did not support the regime, but repression, fear, and misery prevented reaction for years.
Families of the Regime
Key supporters of the dictatorship were the army, the church, traditionalists, and the conservative right. Franco skillfully distributed political power among these groups. The military was particularly supportive, with many ministers and high officials coming from its ranks. The Civil Guard and Armed Police were also involved. The Church legitimized the dictatorship nationally and internationally, receiving concessions in education and political appointments in return. However, some Catalan and Basque clergy were hostile to the regime, and support waned after Vatican II (1962-1965). The Falange and traditionalists were fundamental ideological pillars, with the party functioning as a bureaucratic state apparatus.
Political Developments (1939-1959)
Early Years and WWII (1939-1945)
Spain declared neutrality in WWII, but initially sympathized with the Axis. The Blue Division was sent to fight alongside Germany against the USSR. As the Axis faltered, Spain shifted towards neutrality and engaged with the Allies. New institutions were created to present a representative image, such as the Parliament (1942), elected by indirect suffrage. In 1945, the Jurisdiction of Spanish and the National Referendum Act were passed to improve the regime’s image and consolidate Franco’s power.
International Isolation (1945-1950)
Post-WWII, the Allies considered Spain a fascist state. Spain was not admitted to the UN in 1946, and many countries withdrew their ambassadors. Franco took steps to improve the regime’s image, including abolishing the fascist salute. The Law of Succession was promulgated, making Spain a kingdom with Franco as head of state until his death.
The Cold War (1950-1959)
The Cold War increased Spain’s strategic value due to its anti-communist stance. The US provided military and economic aid in exchange for military bases. Spain was admitted to UNESCO in 1952 and the UN in 1955. In 1959, President Eisenhower visited Spain, further strengthening Franco’s regime.
Exile
After the war, many exiles went to France and Latin America. The Republican government in exile hoped for Allied intervention, but this did not materialize. The isolation of Spain initially raised hopes for change, but these diminished with Spain’s entry into the UN. The exile governments weakened as older leaders disappeared and became increasingly disconnected from the internal opposition in Spain.