Opposition Movements Against Franco’s Dictatorship in Spain
External Opposition to Franco’s Dictatorship
If anything defined the political opposition, it was division and confrontation. However, these forces coordinated to create an image of cohesion, hoping for an Allied intervention to end the dictatorship. In 1943, the Spanish Junta of Liberation was formed. To capitalize on the situation, the Republican government in exile was created. Based in Mexico, the Republican institutions continued until 1977, when they dissolved after the restoration of democracy in Spain.
The Monarchist Alternative
The Allied triumph and expectations of intervention encouraged a potential monarchist restoration centered around Don Juan de Borbón. This monarchist opposition was supported by figures like Prieto of the PSOE, who tried to reach an agreement with Don Juan de Borbón, author of the Lausanne Manifesto. Spain was defined as a kingdom, although Franco secured his position as Head of State for life and designated Prince Juan Carlos as his successor.
Resistance and Guerrilla Warfare (Maquis)
Communists became a significant part of the opposition to Francoism. The Maquis offered support, carrying out resistance through guerrilla warfare. Within the Maquis, three distinct groups could be distinguished:
- Politicized elements: Acted out of political commitment, following a strategy anticipating Allied intervention.
- Isolated groups: Fought primarily out of a mere survival instinct.
- Urban groups: Carried out guerrilla activities, often related to the CNT.
A notable guerrilla action was the invasion of the Aran Valley. Thousands of guerrillas entered Spain hoping to promote a popular uprising. However, the Francoist army and the Civil Guard quelled the rebellion.
Internal Opposition Within Spain
The failure of the guerrilla struggle led to a strategic shift towards mass mobilization, including tactics like entryism. This strategy gave rise to the Workers’ Commissions (Comisiones Obreras). Simultaneously, a section of the Catholic Church began showing the first signs of distancing itself from Francoism. There was significant strike activity, notably in Barcelona. In this context, student protests emerged at the universities, partly originating from the failure of official SEU (Sindicato Español Universitario) candidacies. Franco responded by closing the university.