Franco’s Spain: Dictatorship, Isolation, and Opposition
From 1939 to 1975, Spain lived under an authoritarian regime, a personal dictatorship embodied by General Franco, who maintained a tight grip on Spanish society. Franco relied on different social sectors that made up the ruling bloc: Falange, monarchists, and the military.
Stages of the Franco Regime
Stage of the Second World War (1939-1945)
When the world conflict triggered, Spain remained neutral, although its strategic position was of great importance for both sides. Franco knew the country was unable to participate in the war. However, the affinity with the side then supposed to be the victor and the opportunity to gain advantages for Spain became an issue. Spain ultimately supported Germany.
The Isolation (1945-1953)
Due to its collaboration with the Axis powers, the Franco regime faced international isolation. In February 1946, a resolution of the UN (United Nations Organization) recommended the withdrawal of ambassadors. During this period, Franco became isolated, while media and opposition abroad grew, and guerrilla warfare worsened inside Spain.
The Breakdown of Isolation (1953-1959)
After signing the concordat with the Holy See and pacts with the United States in 1953, Spain was admitted to the UN in 1955. Simultaneously, it integrated into economic bodies such as Eurostat, the IMF, and the World Bank. Gradually, the system integrated into multilateral economic relations, and the autarkic phase gave way to economic liberalization.
Opening to the Outside (1959-1969)
Despite partial success, progress was not made on two issues: Gibraltar and the EEC (European Economic Community). The question of Gibraltar became an important point in the regime’s foreign policy after various resolutions starting in 1964. However, the negative British attitude toward these resolutions led to a border closure in 1968. Negotiations with the EEC were also unfruitful.
Opposition to the Franco Regime
Like any political system, there was opposition to the Franco regime. Here are the main opponents:
The Maquis
The inability of the Republican government in exile to take political action against Franco encouraged the phenomenon of anti-Franco guerrillas, called the Maquis.
Those Who Did Not Accept the Franco Regime
In the sixties, anti-Franco demonstrations and performances emerged in various sectors of society. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, nationalist movements resurged, including ETA (a terrorist group), which made its first attack in 1968.
The Labor Movement and Students
Society during the Franco years, particularly in the sixties, was very different from what emerged from the civil war. Economic changes altered the social structure, customs, and mentality of a large part of Spanish society.
Post-War Cultural Repression
After the civil war and the exile of intellectuals and artists, Franco’s Spain experienced what one author has called a “cultural wasteland.” However, there were cultural events inspired by the aesthetic and intellectual principles of Franco: Spanish nationalism and the exaltation of military virtues. The regime’s policy of censorship affected all intellectual activities and media communication. Film and theater were victims of double civil and ecclesiastical censorship, forbidding works by authors such as García Lorca, Valle Inclán, and Casona.