Key Events of Franco’s Regime and the Spanish Transition
Franco’s Regime and the Spanish Transition
Major Political and Economic Events
Case Mates (1969)
One of Spain’s largest political and economic scandals during the late Franco dictatorship. The scandal erupted on July 23, 1969, when the Customs director filed a complaint, leading to the imprisonment of businessman Juan Vila Reyes.
Basic Laws
A set of eight laws governing state powers during Franco’s regime. These laws, more akin to a charter than a constitution, were neither drafted nor approved by elected representatives.
Political Association Act (1974)
This act, adopted by the Francoist Cortes, authorized the creation of political participation structures beyond the National Movement.
Press Law
Enacted during the Civil War to abolish the Republican press and turn the entire press into a state-serving institution.
Non-belligerency
Following the fall of the Third French Republic, this policy was a strategic maneuver to protect Spain from the ravages of war.
National Catholicism
A defining ideology of Franco’s regime, marked by the Catholic Church’s dominance in public and private life.
INI (1941)
A state entity created to promote industrial development in Spain during the period of autarky (1939-1959).
University Events (1956)
The emergence of student organizations challenging the compulsory Spanish University Union led to incidents in Madrid in February 1956. Various political and social movements also emerged.
Green March (1973)
The King of Morocco organized a peaceful invasion of the Sahara territory. To avoid war, Spain opted to yield.
Burgos Trial (1970)
A summary trial of sixteen individuals charged with belonging to ETA and killing three people. The trial and subsequent pardon had a significant impact on the late Franco regime.
Congress in Munich (1962)
The Fourth Congress of the European Movement, ridiculed by the Franco regime, brought together 118 Spanish politicians opposed to the dictatorship.
Membership in the EU (1986)
Spain joined the European Union, leading to economic liberalization and modernization.
Transition to Democracy
Democratic Meeting (1974)
An opposition agency led by the Communist Party of Spain, advocating for a 12-point political program and gaining significant support.
Platform of Democratic Convergence
Led by the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE), this platform aimed to unite various opposition groups, including the Democratic Left and the Communist Movement.
Montejurra (1976)
During the annual Carlist Party pilgrimage, a violent incident involving Franco supporters and mercenaries resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Political Reform Act (1976)
This act, adopted by Parliament and approved in a referendum, facilitated the transition from Franco’s regime to a democratic constitutional system.