Franco’s Spain: Neutrality, Catholicism, and the Cold War
Franco’s Stance During World War II
At the outbreak of World War II, Franco faced the risk of Spain’s involvement. Having just concluded the Civil War, Spain was ill-prepared for another conflict. Consequently, Franco declared neutrality on September 4, 1939. Despite this, he displayed sympathy towards the Axis powers, shifting his stance after the German occupation of France and Italy’s declaration of war.
- In June 1940, Franco announced a state of non-belligerency, effectively signaling pre-belligerence. Spain then ceased cooperation with Germany.
- In October 1940, Franco met with Hitler in Hendaye, resulting in a protocol committing Spain to participate in the war against the United Kingdom, though without a specified date. Ultimately, Spain did not officially enter the war but sent the Blue Division to fight against the Soviets.
- Growing pressure from the U.S. and Britain, threatening a prolonged blockade to prevent the entry of food and energy, compelled Franco to gradually adjust his foreign policy. By October 1943, he proclaimed a return to neutrality.
The Ascendancy of Catholic Influence (1945-1957)
Franco recognized the Axis defeat in World War II as a threat to his dictatorship and sought to adapt to the new international landscape.
- In July 1945, Franco formed a new government, empowering Catholics from the Catholic Association of Propagandists (ACNP), such as Artajo Martín, José María Fernández Ladreda, and Joaquín Ruiz Jiménez. This shift altered the political orientation of the system, driving institutional changes and a robust non-fascist diplomatic campaign.
Institutional Changes
Institutional changes were implemented through three new Fundamental Laws:
- In 1945, the Jurisdiction of the Spanish was passed, outlining several rights without guaranteed exercise, along with the National Referendum Act, enabling the head of state to submit draft laws from the courts to a referendum.
- In 1947, the Law of Succession to the Head of State was adopted, declaring Spain an established kingdom.
The Cold War Context
The system’s diplomatic efforts aimed to break the international isolation Spain faced after World War II, following the Allied victory. However, initial success was limited:
- At the Potsdam Conference (1945), the United States, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union rejected Spain’s UN membership.
- In 1946, France closed the Pyrenees border, and the UN recommended the withdrawal of ambassadors from Madrid. Only Argentina, Portugal, and the Vatican maintained their diplomatic presence.
Spanish diplomacy then focused on three key areas:
- Strengthening friendly relations with the Arab world.
- Seeking support from conservative factions in Europe and America.
- Gaining backing from Latin American countries. A significant achievement was the signing of the Franco-Perón Protocol (1948), through which Argentina supplied food to Spain.
These diplomatic efforts yielded results as the Cold War intensified. Spain became a valuable platform against communist countries, and Western nations, particularly America, began to overlook their objections. Consequently, borders were reopened.