Franco’s Spain: Political and Economic Evolution (1937-1975)
The Franco Regime (1937-1975)
The Franco regime evolved significantly between 1937 and 1975. During the initial period (1937-1959), the regime established a dictatorial political system. From 1960 to 1975, political authoritarianism persisted alongside notable economic development.
Ideological Foundations
- Anti-parliamentarism and Anti-liberalism: These ideas were drawn from European fascism.
- Anti-Communism: A radical opposition to communism, accentuated during the Cold War.
- Nationalism-Catholicism: The regime declared itself Catholic and granted numerous privileges to the Church.
- Traditionalism: The historical model considered was the imperial era of Asturias.
- Militarism: Military values were fostered, emphasizing patriotism.
Support Base
Political Support: The Falange, responsible for social control and ideological propaganda; the military; Catholics; and monarchists.
Social Support: Initially, landowners, industrialists, financiers, and medium landowners in the north.
Political Evolution (1939-1975)
Period (1939-1959)
The Franco regime established a totalitarian system, concentrating leadership of the state, government, and supreme command of the army. Fundamental laws were enacted to regulate the political system, including labor laws. The ‘organic democracy’ was imposed from 1942. As the defeat of fascism in World War II became apparent, the regime attempted to present a more democratic facade.
Period (1959-1975)
The political system retained its ideological foundations, despite the approval of new press laws. Censorship persisted. The organic law suppressed the separation of the posts of Chief of State and President of the Government. During this period, the Falange lost influence to technocrats, many from Opus Dei, whose objective was economic development.
Economic Evolution (1939-1975)
The Era of Autarky
Autarkic policies were based on state intervention in all sectors of the economy. Expropriated lands were returned to their former owners, and the state controlled prices and wheat production. The effects of autarky included economic stagnation and social problems. Economic problems arose from the collapse of agricultural and industrial production, leading to hunger and food shortages. Social problems were caused by shortages, resulting in sharp price increases and the emergence of a black market.
The Era of Economic Development
The stabilization plan ended autarky and consisted of an economic recovery program through which prices were freed and trade liberalized. Economic development benefited from a favorable international environment. Increased productivity in agriculture and industry improved, although the consequences of new techniques were uneven.
Society and Population
Migration and Urban Growth
Movements were paralyzed after the war due to difficulties in leaving and supply problems in the cities. Urban growth, caused by rural exodus, was enormous, leading to a shortage of services and housing. Large real estate transactions were conducted, creating new neighborhoods.
Key Terms
National Movement: The only political organization permitted by the Franco regime, formed by the vertical union and public office.
‘Organic Democracy’: A political system in which organs of democracy and courts existed, but without a functioning democratic government.
National Economic Development Plans: Adopted from 1963 to correct regional imbalances generated by unequal economic development.
Maquis: Scattered guerrilla movement in mountain areas that aimed to incite an uprising against Franco.
Vertical Union: A union organization that included both employers and workers.