Franco’s Spain: Ideology, Society, and Repression
Introduction
After the Civil War, Spain was devastated. Franco’s victory brought not peace but the systematic erasure of republican society. Historians refer to this period as Francoism. The regime was supported by political families that provided its ideological principles. Franco’s main characteristic was the accumulation of power, which became entrenched over time.
The political landscape evolved through distinct stages:
- Stage 1: Autarky
- Stage 2: The End of Isolation
- Stage 3: Technocracy and Economic Development
- Stage 4: The Decomposition of the System (culminating with Franco’s death in 1975)
Ideological and Social Foundations
Franco’s dictatorship was personal, with power manifested in military, civil, and ecclesiastical spheres.
Ideological Foundations
The main ideas of Franco’s regime were:
- Nationalism and Militarism: Franco, a military leader, appointed military personnel to key ministries.
- National Catholicism: The Church strongly supported Franco, framing the Civil War as a Crusade.
- Extreme Nationalism: Glorification of Spain’s imperial past.
- Charismatic Leadership: Franco was portrayed as a savior sent by divine providence.
- Anti-Parliamentarism and Anti-Liberalism: Rejection of democracy and political parties.
- Fascist Features: Use of symbols, uniforms, and violence as political tools.
- Anti-Communism: Widespread persecution of perceived communists.
- Masonic Conspiracy Theory: Blaming Freemasons for societal ills.
- Adaptability: The regime’s ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
Political Families
Various political factions supported the regime, their influence fluctuating based on internal and external factors. Key groups included:
- Falangists (El Movimiento): Held significant power, especially during the regime’s early stages.
- Catholics: Divided into traditionalists and Opus Dei.
- Military: A constant pillar of the regime, always under Franco’s control.
- Monarchists: Carlists and supporters of Don Juan.
- Francoists: Technocrats and loyalists without specific political affiliations.
Social Bases
Franco’s regime enjoyed support from various segments of society, primarily the victors of the Civil War:
- The Catholic Church
- The landed, industrial, and financial elites
- Urban middle classes and landowners in the north and Castillas
- Administrative officials, teachers, and military personnel promoted after the war
These groups shared conservative values, emphasizing family, private property, Catholicism, and public order.
Social Pyramid
Spanish society was highly hierarchical, with the elite comprising Church leaders, state officials, and the financial oligarchy. The middle class included professionals and small business owners, while the base consisted of workers and peasants.
Depoliticization
The regime, aided by the Church and the National Movement, discouraged political participation.
Repression, Guerrilla, and Exile
Repression
Repression began during the Civil War and continued under Franco. It included:
- Physical and Violent Repression
- Economic Repression
- Labor Repression
- Administrative Repression
Repressive legislation, such as the Law of Political Responsibilities, targeted the defeated Republicans.