Franco’s Regime: Laws, Policies, and International Relations
Fundamental Laws of Franco’s Regime
Franco’s regime established a series of fundamental laws that shaped the political and social landscape of Spain:
- Outside of Work: This likely refers to the regulation of activities and organizations outside the workplace, restricting freedom of association and assembly.
- Law Courts: Courts were restored, but without democratic representation. Members (attorneys) were appointed by the government through official trade unions. Their mission was to present and adopt Franco’s laws without discussion.
- Jurisdiction of the Spanish: This law outlined the rights and duties of Spanish citizens under the regime.
- The National Referendum Law: This law allowed for referendums to ratify laws, although the extent of their influence is debatable within a dictatorship.
- Succession Act: This act confirmed the lifelong nature of the dictatorship and outlined the means of succession. Franco could appoint his successor at will. It defined Spain as a kingdom, but the restoration of the monarchy remained subject to the dictator’s wishes.
Despite the enactment of these laws, the Franco regime was characterized by the absolute concentration of power in the hands of General Franco. He held the offices of Head of State, Prime Minister, leader of the movement, and Generalissimo of the armies.
Franco’s Stance During World War II
Franco’s attitude towards the conflict changed as it developed, passing through several phases:
- Neutrality: Initially, due to Spain’s weakness and despite having signed a friendship pact with Germany in 1939, Franco remained neutral. He even signed trade agreements with Britain and France.
- Non-belligerence: After Italy entered the war in 1940, Spain began providing raw materials, resources, and strategic assistance to the Axis powers (Germany and Italy). Franco negotiated with Hitler at Hendaye, aiming for Spain’s entry into the war. He claimed territories in French Africa (Morocco and part of Algeria), the extension of Guinea, the recovery of Gibraltar, and more economic aid. Hitler rejected these claims, demanding instead to establish bases in the Canary Islands to disrupt Allied convoys. Despite Franco’s refusal, Foreign Minister Ramón Serrano Suñer, the Falange, and most of the army favored entering the conflict. However, the war between Germany and the USSR, along with Franco’s realization of the potential benefits of maintaining neutrality with England and the U.S. (who offered economic aid), prevented Spain’s entry.
- Sending the Blue Division: Franco sent volunteers to fight against the USSR and communism alongside Germany.
- Returning to Strict Neutrality: After the U.S. entered the conflict and Mussolini fell, Franco began to sever ties with the Axis. He repatriated the Blue Division and refrained from provoking the Allies.
Franco’s position was driven by political convenience, shifting his support according to the evolving circumstances.
Post-War Isolation and International Recognition
The Axis defeat diminished fascism’s political relevance. Spain was internationally isolated, excluded from the Marshall Plan and prevented from participating in the formation of the UN.
During this time, the political influence of Catholics increased, gaining prominence within the Falange. This was symbolized by the appointment of Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco as Undersecretary of the Presidency (he would become President of the Government in 1973, shortly before being assassinated by ETA) and Alberto Martín Artajo (Foreign Minister), who was tasked with breaking the international isolation.
International recognition was considered vital. Franco initiated a rapprochement with the Americans, leveraging the start of the Cold War. The Americans recognized Spain’s key geostrategic position. In 1953, bilateral agreements (military and economic) were signed with the United States. These agreements allowed for the establishment of four American air and naval bases on Spanish soil (Torrejón, Zaragoza, Rota, and Morón), the introduction of atomic weapons in these bases, and their free use against America’s enemies. In return, Spain received $1.5 billion in economic aid and military equipment.
A Concordat was signed with the Vatican in 1953, serving as a prelude to the international opening of the Franco regime. Spain later joined the UN and the IMF (International Monetary Fund). However, it was vetoed from NATO (Treaty for the Protection of Allied Countries) and the EEC (European Economic Community) until democratization conditions were met, which would not happen until Franco’s death.
Franco needed a legal and administrative framework to govern and establish an ideological foundation.