Franco’s Spain: Dictatorship to Democracy (1939-1975)

Posted on Nov 19, 2024 in History

Franco’s Political System (1939-1975)

Francisco Franco’s regime was a dictatorship characterized by opposition to communism and liberal democracy, and the defense of traditionalism in Spain.

Social Groups Supporting Franco

Franco’s victory in the Civil War benefited groups fearing loss of privileges:

  • The wealthy bourgeoisie, army, and Catholic Church supported a regime guaranteeing their power.
  • Landowners, banking, and business sectors regained economic dominance.
  • The army held numerous political and business positions.
  • The Catholic Church saw the return of religious education and state funding.

Postwar Economic Policy

Postwar economic policy featured state interventionism and autarky, driven by international isolation. This led to a disastrous economic outcome.

Policy Shift in the 1950s

New Ruling Elite

The regime shifted towards economic liberalization with the inclusion of technocrats linked to Opus Dei.

  • The Falange was displaced by the National Movement.
  • Prince Juan Carlos de Borbón was named Franco’s successor in 1969.

Stabilization Plan

The 1959 Stabilization Plan aimed to open the economy to international markets.

  • Development plans (1964-1975) sought industrial growth and regional balance.
  • European economic prosperity was the main driver of growth.

Opposition to Franco

Political parties and unions operated underground in the 1940s and 1950s.

  • The PCE, PSOE, and CNT led opposition activities from exile.
  • Workers’ Commissions (CCOO) emerged in the 1960s.
  • Monarchists and democrats met in Munich in 1962 to discuss democratization.
  • Nationalist parties like PNV and ETA also opposed the regime.

Social Reasons for Opposition

  • Major strikes occurred in Asturias, Catalonia, Andalusia, and the Basque Country in 1962.
  • Universities became centers of anti-Franco opposition.
  • Dissident groups emerged within the Catholic Church.

Oil Crisis Impact

The oil crisis led to rising prices, reduced tourism, and decreased foreign investment, slowing economic growth from 1975.

Transition to Democracy

Juan Carlos I was sworn in as King in November 1975.

  • Adolfo Suárez was appointed Prime Minister in July 1976, initiating democratic reforms.
  • The Political Reform Act legalized political parties and granted amnesty.
  • The first free elections were held in 1977.