Franco’s Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society
Franco’s Totalitarian Regime
Franco was the head of state and held the title of leader, concentrating all powers, including command of all the armies. All parties, unions, and political associations were declared illegal, except for the Traditionalist Spanish Falange and the National Syndicalist Offensive Boards. The National Trade Union Central, a vertical union, engaged employers and workers. Franco legislated by decree, and his power was for life. He decreed the abolition of the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia and the Basque Country.
The Fundamental Laws
- The Labour Law: Stated the working principles of the new regime.
- The Constitutive Act of the Spanish Cortes: Created a consultative Cortes with no legislative power.
- The Charter of the Spanish: A civil rights pseudo-declaration.
- The Referendum Act: Contemplated referendums for certain laws.
- The Act of Succession: Provided a monarchy as the successor to Franco.
Social Support of the Franco Regime
The big bourgeoisie had carte blanche to exercise their economic dominance. Republican agrarian reform was overturned, and labor relations were placed under the Ministry of Labour.
The army was too numerous, and its controls exercised many political positions and even positions in companies.
The Catholic Church: Divorce was abolished, religious marriage became compulsory again, religious education was reintroduced, and the budget was restored for worship and the clergy.
External Relations
Since 1939, Franco gave his support to the fascist powers. Although not involved in World War II, he sent a volunteer group to the East German front. In 1945, this provoked a period of international isolation. The Franco regime was condemned by the UN, which recommended the withdrawal of ambassadors from all democratic states. This broke in 1953 when Spain agreed about partnership agreements with the United States and signed a concordat with the Vatican.
The Effects of War
Spain was a country ravaged by the civil war, which behaved a demographic collapse. Part of the industry, agriculture, communication channels, and means of transportation had suffered significant damage. Production fell. Salaries were low, causing the spread of poverty and even misery. These were years of excitement and easy money for the leaders of the regime, who were enriched with shortages and low wages for the workers.
Interventionism and Autarky
The political economy of Franco’s regime was characterized by large state intervention in production and distribution. The economic autarky regime aspired to self-sufficiency and intended to minimize imports to not depend on the outside.
The Stagnation of the Economy
Autarky was a disaster for the Spanish economy. Agriculture and industry grew very slowly, trade with the outside was minimal, and limited consumer access led to long, hard years.
A New Ruling Elite
The reorientation of the Franco regime and the entry into government of some ministers linked to Opus Dei provided more technical and modernizing criteria. The Falange was losing ground and was displaced as the country moved. New laws were drawn up, among which emphasized the law principles of motion and the organic law of the state that defined the regime as an organic democracy. To ensure the continuity of the Franco regime after Franco’s death, the courts accepted Prince Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor as head of state with the title of king.
The Stabilization Plan
The new government abandoned self-sufficiency and began a process of economic liberalization and opening to the European economy. This established the stabilization plan aimed at replacing a closed economy with an economy linked to international circuits. The government launched the so-called development plans intended to promote industrial development and reduce imbalances between different Spanish regions. The planning was not the cause of economic growth, but it was due to a greater extent by taking advantage of favorable economic conditions in Europe.