Franco’s Spain: Totalitarianism, War, and Transformation
Franco’s Spain: A Nation Forged in Conflict
The Early Years: A Totalitarian State
Item 12: The state of advanced proclaimed Catholic totalitarian state, with no political freedom and no freedom of the press, had lost the war. The consequences were dire: 40,000 soldiers shot, 300,000 exiled prisoners, and 50,000 dead. The regime rested on three pillars: the army, the single political party, and the Church.
World War II and its Aftermath
Communism and democracy united against Hitler. Franco requested French possessions in North Africa from Spain, but they were denied. Spain did not officially enter the war but commanded 47,000 soldiers to fight Russia alongside the Germans in the Blue Division. In 1945, fascism was defeated in Europe, but not in Spain, leading Communists to believe they could overthrow Franco.
The fight against the French Maquis was significant. Spain avoided falling at the UN. The Civil War resulted in 300,000 deaths. To end the war, Franco proclaimed himself:
- Head of State
- Chief of the Army
- Head of Government
The Spanish state was declared Catholic. The aftermath of the war saw half a million Spaniards fleeing to France, with men sent to concentration camps and women and children dispersed throughout the interior of France. The prevailing sentiment was “peace only to the victors” (Francoist Peace).
The 1940s: Misery and Starvation
Francoist Spain in the 1940s was marked by misery and starvation, leading to high mortality rates from typhus and tuberculosis, exacerbated by the drought of 1944-1946.
Political Isolation and Economic Measures
Political issues: The Franco regime faced international non-recognition, preventing its entry into the UN in 1946. From 1948, pesetas were adorned with Franco’s face. To promote industrialization, the INI (National Industry Institute) was created with the objectives of increasing production of coal, steel, and hydroelectric power. However, Spain’s isolation hindered its ability to import necessary materials.
The 1950s: Improvement and Change
Age 50: The situation in the country improved. In 1952, rationing ended. A rural exodus to the cities began, with 100,000,000 apartments built to accommodate the population, though it was insufficient for everyone, leading some to live in shacks on the outskirts of cities.
Politically, the situation improved, with ambassadors returning and a contract signed with the Holy See in 1953. In 1954, a treaty with the United States allowed for financial aid and the establishment of military bases. In 1955, Spain failed to enter the UN and the European Union. In 1957, the EEC (European Economic Community) was established in Rome, but Spain’s lack of democracy prevented its entry.
The Franco regime’s repression continued, proclaiming a state of expansion.
The 1960s: Repression and Transformation
60s: The Court of Public Order was created in 1963, with military tribunals dealing with political crimes and imposing harsh punishments. Changes occurred within the Church due to Vatican II, with priests becoming closer to workers and leaving military organizations. Relations between the Church and the State began to deteriorate.
The 1960s saw a tourist boom on the Spanish beaches, generating currency used for economic development. Customs regulations were also relaxed. In 1969, Franco proclaimed Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor, restoring the monarchy.