Franco’s Spain: Political, Social, and Economic Transformation (1939-1975)

Posted on Nov 27, 2024 in History

1. Franco’s Regime (1939-1959)

After winning the Spanish Civil War in 1939, Spain consolidated a regime characterized by the centralization of power in Generalissimo Franco. The leader’s figure became inseparable from the regime itself.

Social Characteristics

Franco’s characteristics were identified with those of a caudillo. His principles included order, authority, Catholicism, and a specific vision of the country.

Ideological Traits

  • Anti-liberalism and Anti-communism: Rejection of parliamentarism, the division of powers, and political parties. Attempts to disguise the dictatorship as an “organic democracy” after World War II. The scheme was primarily anti-communist.
  • National-Catholicism: The regime was fully identified with the Catholic Church, and vice versa.
  • Militarism: Emphasis on military values such as honor, valor, and blind obedience.
  • Spanish Nationalism
  • Lack of Freedoms: The regime enforced a repressive policy, including the death penalty and purges of officials. A false bill of rights was created after World War II for appearances.
  • One-Party Regime
  • Concentration of Powers

Social Supports

The regime was supported by the army, the Church, the financial oligarchy, industrialists, landowners, and the rural and urban middle classes.

Opposition to the Regime

The Law of Political Responsibilities led to the exile or execution of thousands associated with the Republic. Armed guerrillas operated in rural areas, strikes protested the political system, and monarchist opposition emerged.

Political Issues

First Period (During WWII)

  • Declared neutral, then non-belligerent; Spain was not involved in any conflict initially.
  • Ramón Serrano Suñer, a supporter of Nazi Germany, led years of repression against freemasonry and communism.
  • Pro-Nazi ideology was gradually reduced.
  • Creation of courts to conceal the dictatorship.

Second Period (Post-War)

  • Loss of support from fascist powers; the regime attempted to adapt.
  • Removal from the UN and withdrawal of ambassadors.
  • Domestic policy encouraged Spanish courts, referendum law, and inheritance law.

Third Period (Return to UN)

  • Development of the Cold War; Spain sought to end international isolation.
  • Readmitted to the UN in 1955. Technocrats of Opus Dei gained political leadership.
  • Creation of the Principles of the Movement; public officials swore allegiance to the regime’s principles and public policy.

Economic Aspects (1939-1959)

  • Autarky and Interventionism
  • Economic recession in the 1940s due to poor economic policy.
  • Measures Undertaken:
    • Restricted exports
    • Protected Spanish industry through subsidies
    • Rationing of staples through booklets
  • Creation of INI and RENFE.
  • Consequences: Hunger, black market, trade deficit.

Economic Recovery: The Stabilization Plan

U.S. aid began arriving in the 1950s, boosting the industrial sector, although Spain remained largely agrarian. Measures included facilitating foreign investment, raising taxes, and freezing wages.


2. Franco’s Regime (1959-1975)

In the early 1950s, Franco liberalized the economy, leading to modernization. However, the regime’s core principles remained unchanged.

Political Aspects

Political Transformations

Franco’s power was divided between two political factions:

  • Technocrats of Opus Dei: They managed to liberalize the economy without altering the regime’s authoritarian principles.
  • Movement: Reformers sought to introduce political evolution.
Main Reforms
  • Press Law: Did not guarantee freedom of expression.
  • Law of Religious Freedom: All religions were recognized.
  • Law of Collective Agreements: Still banned strikes.
  • Organic Law of the State: Attempted to project a democratic image.
  • 1969 Succession Law: Juan Carlos was named Franco’s successor.
  • Creation of TOP (Public Order Court) in 1963.

The Democratic Opposition

Strong repression in the 1940s and 1950s had weakened the opposition. In 1962, opposition groups met in Munich to demand democratization. New illegal trade unions, such as the Workers’ Commissions, were created.

The regime’s main concern was its continuation after Franco’s death. In 1973, Carrero Blanco was appointed Prime Minister, but his administration was characterized by repression. He was assassinated by ETA six months later, increasing political instability.

Economic Aspects

Factors of economic development included:

  • Liberalization of the Spanish economy.
  • Capital inflows in sectors like chemicals and automobiles.
  • Development of tourism, a major source of foreign exchange.
  • Remittances from migrant workers.
  • Internal migration to industrial and coastal areas.
  • Public investment in distressed sectors.
  • The 1973 global oil crisis (price increase from $3 to $12 a barrel).

Social Aspects

The stabilization plan led to changes in social structure. The country became more urban, and the number of educated people grew due to increased state investment in education.

The End of the Dictatorship

After Carrero Blanco’s death, Arias Navarro came to power. The Democratic Council was established, including organizations like the Spanish Communist Party (Santiago Carrillo), PSP (Galvan), Workers’ Party, and trade unions like the Workers’ Commissions. The PSOE organized the Democratic Convergence platform in 1975, involving the UGT and PNV, among others.

The final months of the regime were marked by a severe recession, executions of ETA and FRAP militants, and the Green March organized by Hassan II of Morocco to annex the Sahara. Finally, on November 20, 1975, Franco died, ending nearly 40 years of dictatorship.