Franco’s Spain: Politics, Economy, and Society (1939-1959)
Political Aspects
Franco’s regime was characterized by the concentration of power, rejection of democratic principles, and suppression of freedoms. Institutionalization was slow, with key laws enacted over decades to solidify Franco’s authority.
- 1942: Reestablishment of Cortes Españolas (Spanish Courts) as a rubber-stamp body.
- 1945: Fuero de los Españoles (Charter of the Spanish People) outlining rights, not enforced in practice.
- 1947: Ley de Sucesión en la Jefatura del Estado (Law of Succession to the Headship of the State), restoring the monarchy but allowing Franco to choose his successor.
- 1958: Ley de Principios del Movimiento Nacional (Law of Principles of the National Movement), reinforcing the regime’s core values.
The regime used propaganda, censorship, and repression to maintain control. Foreign policy evolved from pro-Axis sympathies to neutrality during WWII, followed by international isolation and eventual reintegration with the West in the 1950s.
Economics
Post-Civil War Spain faced economic hardship. The initial autarky policy aimed for self-sufficiency but led to stagnation and poverty. Key measures included:
- Import restrictions and production controls.
- Rationing of essential goods.
- Creation of the Instituto Nacional de Industria (INI) to promote industrialization.
The Stabilization Plan of 1959 marked a shift towards liberalization, including currency devaluation and attracting foreign investment, paving the way for economic growth in the 1960s.
Social Aspects
Franco’s regime enjoyed support from landowners, industrialists, the Church, and segments of the middle class. Labor was controlled through a single state-run union. Post-war society suffered from poverty and cultural repression. Education and media were used for indoctrination. Opposition was limited and suppressed, including monarchists, democrats, and nascent labor movements.