Key Events and Changes During Franco’s Final Years
Elements of Change in the Final Stage of Franco: Timeline (late 60s and since 1973) the last years were troubled because of the following circumstances:
- The 1973 oil crisis, leading to conflicts in the workplace.
- Carrero Blanco’s assassination by ETA.
- Increase in ETA attacks and the emergence of other terrorist groups, resulting in military casualties and security forces.
- In 1970, he held the “process villages” and in 1975 the “state of exception” to the anti-terrorism law.
- In September 1975, he executed two members of ETA and FRAP 3.
- In 1975, GRAPO appeared.
- Explodes in Sahara conflict. In 1973, the Polisario Front was created to vindicate the independence of the Saharawi people.
- In October 1973, Morocco organized the Green March, a peaceful demonstration that took the Sahara.
- In the Madrid Accords of November 1975, Spain left the Sahara under Moroccan power.
- Social upheaval, strikes by workers and students, and “Protest Songs.”
- Franco’s health deteriorated. He died on November 20, 1975.
Constitution of 1931: Political Aspects:
- National sovereignty.
- Universal suffrage, both men and women over 23 years.
- President of the Republic Executive elects the prime minister.
- Unicameral legislative branch cuts, with control of the government, make laws, approve budgets, and elect a permanent deputation.
Social: Bill of Rights:
- On the family: Marriage equality; parents are forced to provide for their children, and parenting can be investigated.
- About property: All the country’s wealth is subordinate to the interest of the national economy; any property can be expropriated or socialized.
- On employees: Health insurance for accidents, unemployment, old age, disability, and death; protection of motherhood.
- On culture: Public education, secular and free.
Religion: Non-denominational state church under civil law; suspended economic aid to the clergy; religious orders were dissolved; cemeteries subject to civil courts to ban the church from engaging in teaching.