Franco’s Spain: Politics, Society & Economy (1939-1956)
Post-War Spain under Franco
Background
After the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), General Francisco Franco established a fascist-inspired military dictatorship in Spain, opposing democracy, parliamentarism, and communism.
Political Aspects: Building the New State
The Organization of the New State
Concentration of Powers in Franco
Franco instituted a totalitarian state in Spain, combining elements of a fascist state, a military dictatorship, and an absolute monarchy without a king. He assumed all significant powers:
- Head of the Sole Party (Falange Española Tradicionalista y de las JONS)
- Head of State
- Prime Minister (Presidente del Gobierno)
- Generalissimo of the Armed Forces
- Proclaimed Leader (Caudillo) of Spain
Fundamental Laws
The Republican Constitution of 1931 was suppressed and replaced by a series of Fundamental Laws:
- Labor Charter (Fuero del Trabajo, 1938): Established vertical unions (syndicates controlled by the state) and banned strikes and independent labor demands.
- Constitutive Act of the Cortes (Ley Constitutiva de las Cortes, 1942): Created the Cortes Españolas, an organic, non-democratic body intended to assist the Head of State.
- Charter of the Spanish (Fuero de los Españoles, 1945): Outlined rights and duties, though heavily restricted in practice.
- National Referendum Law (Ley del Referéndum Nacional, 1945): Allowed for referendums called by Franco.
- Law of Succession to the Headship of the State (Ley de Sucesión en la Jefatura del Estado, 1947): Defined Spain as a kingdom and empowered Franco to appoint his successor (a king).
- Law of Principles of the National Movement (Ley de Principios del Movimiento Nacional, 1958): Codified the guiding principles of the regime, summarizing previous laws.
Organization of Trade Unions
Trade unions were organized into state-controlled Vertical Syndicates.
Administrative Structure
- Civil Governors: Acted as provincial heads of the National Movement.
- Military Governors: Held military authority in provinces.
- Captaincies General: Regional military commands, reinstated after being abolished by the Republic.
Pillars of the Regime
Franco’s political regime rested on three main pillars:
- The Catholic Church: Provided the core ideology of National-Catholicism. It exerted significant influence over the education system, and Catholicism was imposed as the official state religion.
- The Falange: The sole legal political party (FET y de las JONS). Although its influence waned over time, it remained loyal to Franco.
- The Army: Considered the backbone of the regime, ensuring stability and control.
Social Support Base
The regime drew support from various social sectors:
- Landowners
- High and Petty Bourgeoisie
- Catholic Peasantry
Ideological Puritanism and Social Control
The Franco regime imposed a strict ideology with total control over media and public life, influencing:
- Everyday life: Emphasis on traditional values.
- Cultural and religious behavior: Strict censorship was enforced.
- Training of youth: Through organizations like the Frente de Juventudes (Youth Front).
- Training of women: Through the Sección Femenina (Women’s Section), which included mandatory social service.
- Education: Compulsory political and religious instruction aligned with regime ideology.
- Religious practices: Public displays of Catholicism, such as processions, were encouraged.
Opposition and Repression
The Law of Political Responsibilities (1939) was used to systematically purge individuals loyal to the Republic through:
- Military trials: Often resulting in death sentences or long imprisonments.
- Civil trials: Targeting members of banned political parties or trade unions.
- Dismissal: Purging professionals and officials from their jobs (depuración).
International Politics
Spain in World War II
Spain initially sympathized with the Axis powers but shifted to official neutrality as Germany began losing the war.
International Isolation (1945-1946)
Due to its support for the Axis powers, the Franco regime faced international isolation after WWII. Spain was excluded from the newly formed United Nations and did not receive aid from the Marshall Plan.
Social and Economic Aspects
After the Civil War, Spain faced devastation: the workforce was reduced, agricultural and industrial production was below 1935 levels, gold and currency reserves were depleted, and infrastructure was severely damaged. The post-war economic period can be divided into two stages:
Phase 1 (1939-1950): Autarky, Poverty, and Rationing
The 1940s were known as the “years of hunger” (años del hambre).
Rationing
The prices of essential goods were fixed by the state supply board (Comisaría General de Abastecimientos y Transportes). These products were distributed to families using ration cards. This system led to widespread scarcity and reliance on the black market (estraperlo).
Economic Policy: Autarky
Economic policy was based on autarky (self-sufficiency), aiming to minimize foreign imports and meet Spanish needs internally. The state heavily intervened in the economy:
- Imports and exports were strictly controlled by the government.
- The national railway network was nationalized, creating RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles).
- The National Institute of Industry (INI) was created to promote industrial development in key sectors.
Phase 2 (1951-1956): Initial Opening
The policy of autarky proved to be a failure, forcing the government to import food to alleviate widespread hunger. During the 1950s, Spain began a cautious liberalization and opening of its economy to the exterior.
International Recognition (1953)
By 1953, the Franco dictatorship gained significant international recognition:
- The Catholic Church: Signed the Concordat of 1953, reaffirming the Church’s privileged position in Spain.
- The United States (USA): Signed the Pact of Madrid, providing military and economic aid in exchange for allowing the US to establish military bases in Spain as part of Cold War strategy against the USSR.