Franco’s Dictatorship: Repression and Control in Spain
1. Dictatorial Regime
Characteristics of Franco
Totalitarianism
Inspired by Italian fascist and German models, Franco’s dictatorship abolished the 1931 Constitution, individual and collective security, Parliament, political parties, and trade unions. Only a single party and official union were permitted.
Caudillismo
Franco held absolute power as head of state, government chairman, Generalissimo of the armies, and national party leader.
Unitary and Centralist Government
The regime abolished autonomous statuses, suppressing Catalan, Basque, and Galician nationalism.
Repression of the Opposition
Beginning with the persecution of Republican supporters, repression continued systematically throughout Franco’s rule.
Control of the Media
Media were subjected to rigid censorship and used for Francoist propaganda.
Pillars of the Regime
The Army
The army was the regime’s primary support and participated in power.
The Single Party
The Traditionalist Spanish Falange de las JONS (FET de las JONS) provided the regime’s ideological basis and controlled administration.
The Catholic Church
The Church legitimized the regime, controlled education, and promoted Catholic values throughout Spanish society.
Social Supports
- Support from economic and social elites, landowners, and the middle class.
- Passivity from some sectors of society.
- Rejection from popular sectors and those who lost the Civil War.
2. Institutionalized Repression
Instruments of Repression
During and after the Civil War, the regime aimed to eliminate all opponents, termed “enemies of Spain.” Violence was institutionalized through a compromised judiciary, overcrowded prisons and concentration camps, and a system of exemplary punishment to spread terror and suppress dissent. This created an environment of fear and silence.
3. International Relations and Evolution
World War II and Nationalist Hegemony
Initially supporting the Axis powers, Spain remained neutral in World War II due to its limited resources. However, Spain provided strategic materials (tungsten), a volunteer unit (Blue Division) to fight alongside Germany in the USSR, and laborers to work in Germany.
International Boycott
Following World War II, the Franco regime faced international isolation and condemnation, particularly from the newly formed United Nations.
International Recognition and Catholic Nationalism
The Cold War and the emergence of antagonistic blocs (USSR and USA) shifted the international landscape. The West, seeking allies against communism, gradually accepted the Franco regime. Key appointments included Joaquin Ruiz as Minister of Education and Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco as Undersecretary of the Presidency.
First Attempts at Opening
By the mid-1950s, despite international acceptance, Spain faced internal problems, including a difficult economic situation and a lower standard of living compared to other European countries. Labor protests and dissent within universities emerged between 1956 and 1958.
4. Structure of the New State
The Franco dictatorship attempted to project an image of legality through fundamental laws and courts, creating a system termed “organic democracy.”
4.1 Fundamental Laws
The establishment of fundamental laws was a gradual process, culminating in the 1966 Organic Law of the State. Key features included the concentration of power in Franco, the establishment of labor jurisdiction (inspired by fascism), the Law of Succession (allowing Franco to designate his successor as King), and the Law of the National Movement (reaffirming the single party system).
4.2 Organic Democracy
Inspired by the Italian corporate state, the “organic democracy” featured appointed representatives in state institutions. The Law of the Courts established these representatives, known as “procuradores.” The third family of procuradores were elected by heads of households. At the territorial level, civil governors held power in each province, alongside military governors. Mayors were appointed by civil governors. Official trade unions integrated employers and employees within a single union for each industry.
5. Autarky and Rationing
5.1 Autarky and its Effects
Franco’s autarkic policies aimed at economic self-sufficiency. These policies included regulating foreign trade (leading to higher prices and shortages), supporting the construction industry and the creation of public companies through the National Institute of Industry (INI), and controlling agricultural prices (resulting in decreased production and productivity). The overall effect was economic stagnation.
5.2 Rationing and Black Market
State control of the market led to widespread shortages and rationing. Undervalued food prices incentivized producers to sell goods on the black market for higher profits.
5.3 A Harsh Living
The cost of living increased dramatically, exceeding 500% over pre-war prices, and even higher for staple foods. Real per capita income declined significantly. This led to increased slums, cave dwellings, and occupied properties. Mortality and infant mortality rates were also high.