Franco’s Spain: Political Evolution 1939-1975
Two Major Stages of Franco’s Regime
- 1939-1959: During these years, the foundation introduced the new state. Inside, a dictatorial political system and a policy of economic autarky were practiced. Outside, Spain experienced a period of international isolation.
- 1960-1975: This period saw continued political authoritarianism alongside economic development, population growth, and a general improvement in the living standards of society. This crisis originated in the system and increasing internal and external opposition.
Ideological Foundations of Francoism
The ideological foundations of Franco’s regime were:
- Anti-Parliamentarism and Anti-Liberalism: These ideas were taken from European fascism, as were some external elements such as the emblem of the yoke and arrows, the songs, and the fascist salute.
- Anti-Communism: There was a radical opposition to this ideology, which worsened during the years of the Cold War.
- National-Catholicism: The church legitimized the Franco regime, considering the Civil War a crusade against Marxist atheism.
- Spanish Traditionalism: The historical model that was replicated was the imperial Habsburg era.
- The Defense of the Unity of the Motherland: This entailed the abolition of statutes of autonomy and the prohibition of any manifestation of nationalism.
- Militarism: Military and patriotic values were encouraged, with frequent parades, the exaltation of the national flag, and military anthems.
Political and Social Support for the Regime
The political support came from the Falange, which was in charge of social control and ideological propaganda, military officials, Catholics, Opus Dei, and monarchists in the early stages.
The social support came from landowners, industrialists, financiers, and the middle class of northern and central Spain.
Political Developments (1939-1975)
The Period 1939-1959
The Political System: Totalitarianism and Organic Democracy
The totalitarian system concentrated power in Franco as head of state and government and supreme commander of the Army. He legislated by decree and only admitted a single political organization, the National Movement, comprised of a single party, the Spanish Traditionalist Falange.
Organic Democracy: After the defeat of fascism in the Second World War, a democratic appearance was given to the regime, termed “Organic Democracy.” Laws were passed, such as the Charter of the Spanish and the Succession Act.
In the governments of this period, the Falange had much weight. They sought control over organizations like the Women’s Section and the Youth Front.
External and Internal Opposition
On the outside, Franco faced opposition from exiles, who formed a republican government in exile. Political opposition was also formed by monarchists, led by Don Juan de Borbón, who advocated for the restoration of the monarchy.
Inside, armed guerrilla groups (maquis), clandestine groups of communists, socialists, and anarchists, as well as Catalan and Basque nationalists, opposed Franco. The terrorist organization ETA emerged during this period.
Foreign Policy
- During World War II, after the Hendaye interviews with Hitler and Mussolini, Spain declared itself “non-belligerent.” However, in 1941, it sent the Blue Division in support of Germany.
- After the war, the Franco dictatorship was isolated internationally. Spain was not admitted to the UN, and this organization recommended the withdrawal of foreign ambassadors from Spain. The Cold War led to the Western bloc drawing closer to the Franco regime. The UN abolished Spanish isolation, and a bilateral agreement was signed with the United States.
- During this period, independence was also granted to Morocco.