Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain: Repression and Political Regime
Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain
1. Introduction: The Rise of Franco
Following the financial and landowning oligarchy, the Franco regime emerged after the Spanish Civil War. Opposing Franco meant the return of privileges with the help of the church and the army. The regime aimed to establish a “new state” based on traditional Spanish values and a rejection of democracy. Support for Franco came from various groups, including Falangists, Carlists, and the Catholic CEDA. Franco’s control was solidified by hostility towards democracy and initial repression.
Duration of the long dictatorship due to:
- Traditional oligarchy support: Institutions like the church justified and supported the dictatorship, regaining its monopoly on education.
- Strong repression: The regime exerted strong repression, instilling passivity and discouraging revolutionary acts.
- Cold War: The conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States allowed Franco to position himself as an anti-communist ally.
2. The Political Regime
2.1. State Organization and Fascism
The Franco regime exhibited many features of a fascist regime, although it moderated after World War II. Franco held absolute power as head of state and the army, with no separation of powers. Institutions like the Board of National Defense and the Technical Board were under his control. The corporate state controlled the economy and exercised social control. The regime was illiberal, opposed to peripheral nationalisms, and promoted conservative Catholicism. Institutions like the Falange played a significant role.
Tensions existed within the regime, including clashes between the army and the Falange, the church and the Falange, and the Carlists and the Falange. From 1942-43, attempts were made to modify the system, including the creation of the Spanish Courts in 1942 and the publication of the Fuero of the Spaniards in 1945-46. Other control institutions included the OJE, CEU, SBI, and the female section of the Falange.
2.2. Repression
The Franco regime exercised extensive repression. Opponents of the regime were persecuted, including both passive and active resisters. The Falange and the church played key roles in carrying out repression. The objective was to force the population to adapt and submit to the regime. Peripheral nationalisms were also targeted.
Concentration camps and prisons were used to hold political prisoners. Executions, deaths from disease, and harsh conditions were common. Forced labor was employed for projects like the Valley of the Fallen. Summary trials were conducted with fabricated evidence and paid witnesses. Women faced particularly brutal repression, including beatings and rape.
Various laws were implemented to control the population and punish opponents. The 1940 Responsibility Policy Act targeted individuals who had been involved in political organizations not aligned with the regime. The 1939 Redemption of Punishment for Work law allowed prisoners to reduce their sentences through forced labor. The 1940 Suppression Act of Masonry and Communism targeted opponents under the Responsibility Policy court. Filters were implemented in state institutions, leading to dismissals and evictions. The 1944 Criminal Code criminalized strikes, illegal associations, and meetings.
The Political-Social Brigade carried out repressive policies. Until 1963, military trials were predominant. In 1963, the Court of Public Order (TOP) replaced military trials and became known for its use of torture. The 1960 Act of Banditry and Terrorism targeted political opponents. Censorship was applied to all media, with journalists and publications controlled by the regime.
The Franco regime’s repression and control extended to all aspects of Spanish society, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s history.