Francoist Spain: State Building and Ideological Pillars (1939-1957)
Francoist State Building: Ideological Foundations and Social Support (1939-1957)
The Years of Catholic Nationalism
The ideological pillars of the Franco regime were skillfully wielded by the army, the Catholic Church, and the Falange. These institutions were manipulated to benefit individuals and the regime as a whole.
The Army’s Role
The army, purged of Republicans, formed the backbone of the state. While a few military personnel advocated for the restoration of the monarchy, the majority were content with Franco’s dictatorship. As victors of the war, they were granted privileges, including political offices and economic advantages. Notably, the state of war persisted until 1948.
The Church’s Influence
The Church provided moral and spiritual legitimacy to the military uprising. Franco’s victory was also a victory for the Catholic Church. A national Catholic education system was established, imposing its standards of public morality and becoming pervasive in all aspects of Spanish life, both public and private. Opus Dei, founded in 1928, began to grow and by the 1960s had become a significant political force.
The Falange’s Adaptation
The Falange adapted the doctrine of José Antonio to align with the Franco regime. While purging authentic dissidents, it maintained the spirit of the Franco-Falange to achieve a national social fabric. Its importance diminished after 1945, following the defeat of Nazism, and its influence was largely confined to the union, although its members still controlled significant areas of power.
Social Control and Propaganda
The Franco regime exerted complete social control over the Spanish population through repression and propaganda. On April 30, 1940, the Student Union (SEU) conducted a book burning at the University, symbolizing the rejection of what they deemed “anti-Spain” in favor of the “eternal Spain.” The regime’s ideology reflected the ideals of the powerful: conservative Catholics, the upper class, and a significant portion of the middle class. These groups felt well-represented by the regime and offered their full support. In the early years, a process of social fascism was widespread and did not cease until the end of World War II.
Political and Ideological Indoctrination
Political and ideological training was carried out by the Youth Front and the Women’s Section, while the Church controlled social morality under the authority of the state.
Franco’s Consolidation of Power
The Spanish Civil War ended on April 1, 1939. From that moment, the Franco regime evolved into a social and political system characterized by a personal dictatorship designed to ensure Franco’s permanence and continuity. In addition to being Generalissimo of the armies and Head of State, Franco assumed the role of Head of Government and the single party. In August of that year, he also took on legislative power. His authority was absolute, answerable only “before God and history.” Until 1945, his regime exhibited a distinctly fascist character.
Early Governments and Fundamental Laws
The governments of this initial period were composed of military personnel and members of the single party, the National Movement. The legal basis of the regime was established through the Fundamental Laws. During this stage, the following were enacted:
- The Constitutive Law of the Cortes (1942): Created to give the appearance of a representative system.
- The Charter of the Spanish People (1945): Outlined the rights of Spaniards, bound by obedience to the principles of the Movement. It established the Catholic confessional state.
- The National Referendum Law (1945): Allowed for government decisions or the Cortes to be put to a referendum.
- The Law of Succession (1947): Defined the process of succession.