Franco’s Regime in Spain: 1936-1975
The term “Franco regime” refers to the political and social movement that supported the dictatorial regime in Spain. It emerged during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), led by General Francisco Franco, and prevailed until his death in 1975. From the post-Franco period (or *tardofranquismo*), which coincides with the Spanish Transition, “Francoism” describes political positions considered similar to, or reminiscent of, Franco’s characteristic nationalist, conservative, undemocratic, autocratic, and Catholic postures. These descriptions often carry an intention of disqualification.
Foundations of the Franco Regime
The regime’s foundations included Spanish nationalism, Catholicism, and anticommunism. These served as the support for an authoritarian military dictatorship, proclaimed as “organic democracy” in opposition to parliamentary democracy. Following the Axis powers’ defeats in World War II, the regime shed its pro-fascist character, while still using its symbols. Franco had to seek new international alliances, and the role of the Falange diminished in favor of other groups. In the 1960s, a generation of technocratic politicians, trained in Opus Dei, emerged and broke the international isolation.
Key Characteristics of Francoism
- Exaltation of the Leader: Franco became the undisputed leader of the Spanish people by force. His exaltation is one of the traits most similar to fascism.
- Fascist Features: The regime adopted symbols, uniforms, and other elements with fascist tendencies, similar to those of Italy and Germany.
- Totalitarianism: The Franco regime sought to control all aspects of national and social life through social organizations, driven mainly by the FET-JONS (Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las Juntas de Ofensiva Nacional Sindicalista).
- Anti-parliamentarism: Franco opposed the parliamentary system, believing political parties had caused Spain’s decline. He imposed an “organic democracy,” a semi-democratic system where representatives were indirectly elected by state bodies. In practice, Franco’s personal dictatorship remained until his death.
- Anti-communism: Franco was completely opposed to communism and all left-wing ideology. Some Francoist slogans, like “The Sentinel of the West,” reflected this, suggesting Franco prevented communism from reaching Spain and the rest of the West.
- National-Catholicism: The regime was closely connected with the Church, especially at the beginning. Catholics largely controlled society through censorship, the press, and the penal code. National-Catholicism was the primary ideological support for purging the Republican state of those disaffected with the Movement’s principles. This was particularly fierce in the purification of Spanish teachers after the Civil War.
- Centralism: Franco’s Spain opposed any nationalism or autonomy. Co-official languages like Catalan and Euskera were banned, along with flags and other nationalist symbols. Paradoxically, he tolerated certain privileges, perhaps due to the assistance provided by the Carlists.
- Traditionalism: During the dictatorship, old traditions and symbols were exalted, constantly recalling Spain’s golden age, Ferdinand and Isabella, etc.
- Militarism: Being a soldier, Franco incorporated military symbols into all aspects of daily life, with numerous parades and celebrations.