Franco’s Regime: An Overview (1936-1975)
Introduction
The “Era of Franco” encompasses nearly four decades of Spanish history, a period of unusual consistency. This era represents a significant departure from the typical rhythm of Spanish history, marking a distinct age with lasting impacts.
General Features of the Franco Regime (1936-1975)
This period witnessed a contradiction: the same political regime that hindered progress also oversaw the economic and social modernization Spain experienced from 1960 onwards. Key features include:
- Rejection of popular sovereignty and representative democracy
- Concentration of power in Francisco Franco (Head of State, Head of Government, Chief of the Army, Single Party Leader)
- Suppression of political and union freedoms under a single party system. The government controlled wages, and strikes were illegal.
- Ideological support from the Church and the Falange
- Promotion of a “great and free Spain” with a Catholic confessional state
Political and Social Bases of the Regime
Was the regime fascist or totalitarian? While the regime adopted Falangist symbols, resembling totalitarian ideology, Serrano Suñer clarified it wasn’t totalitarian due to the lack of a single, mandatory party. Franco relied on multiple forces, and the Falange’s ideological influence diminished over time, eventually focusing on unions.
The Franco regime differed from totalitarianism through its tolerance, flexibility, and limited pluralism, allowing for a form of semi-opposition. Scholars agree on the evolving nature of the system. This pluralism manifested in the influence of traditional families.
Key Actors:
- The Army: Considered the backbone of the country and a fundamental pillar of the regime’s power. The regime was militarized, using the army for defense and repression of political dissent.
- The Falange: Symbolized the new state but never achieved a sole leading role.
- The Catholic Church: Provided crucial ideological support and legitimacy to the regime. Spain became a Catholic confessional state, adopting the Church’s social doctrine, which aided the Church’s resurgence in education and social life.
These families represented diverse political tendencies and attitudes towards the government, including Franco supporters, Catholics, monarchists, technocrats, professionals, traditionalists, and Jonsistas.
Institutions of the Regime
– Head of State. Carried out by Franco until his death. – Governments. Until 1973 was carried out by Franco. From this date was Carrero Blanco and Arias Navarro. SE warn within ministries certain constants in their occupation. * The Falangists used to occupy the portfolios of Labour, Agriculture, and Trade Unions.* The Carlist Justice * The Catholic Education * Military and Defense * Technicians, Finance, Public Works, Industry and Trade – civil governors. Directly dependent on the government and its representatives were in each of the provinces. – Spanish Cortes. Created in 1942, its members called solicitors. These were chosen by the family, municipality and union. – National Council of the Movement. Senate. It followed the Organic Law of the State 1966 – Council of the kingdom. From the Organic Law of State established the separation of the positions of Head of State and Chairman of the Government. – National Council of the FET y de las JONS. Highest governing body, National Chief advisor responsible in case of death or disability of Franco to proclaim a successor previously designated by him. – Supreme Court. Apex of the judiciary. – Mayors. Appointed by the provincial governors.
Fundamental Principles of the Franco Regime adopt organic democracy, which replaces the popular sovereignty and universal suffrage. Within this, the Fundamental Laws confront these fundamental principles of the Movement. It was enacted from 1937 to 1967: – Decree of Unification. Political parties are deleted and are unified Traditionalist Spanish Falange and JONS. – Labour Law. The new regulatory regime has certain similarities with the Charter of Mussolini Lavoro. Start the union and postulated that the value of labor and social justice. – Law Courts. Cuts down a system of choice and very limited powers. – Out of the Spanish. Ensuring the rights of the Spanish. – Rereréndum Act. Supported only way to universal suffrage. – Law of Succession. It defines Spain as a Catholic state, social and representative, which according to tradition is in the UK. A kingdom without a king, since Franco was proclaimed head of state. – Law on the Principles of the Movement. Strongly reaffirmed as fundamental principles of motion. – Organic Law of the State. More representative and functions to the courts, which now also pass laws. It separates the Head of State or Government.