Spain During World War II and the Franco Regime
Jurisdiction of the Spanish State (1939-1975)
Spain During World War II
Generalissimo Francisco Franco, the Head of State and leader of the single party (FET y de las JONS), held the power to approve decree-laws without prior government deliberation. This effectively granted him legislative control, fostering a cult of personality and a providential image (“Francisco Franco, Caudillo of Spain by the grace of God”).
From the outset, Franco consolidated the state under the doctrines of the “National Movement.” A few days after the conflict began, Franco declared neutrality. However, foreign policy, led by Serrano Suñer, leaned towards the fascist powers.
In 1940, Hitler and Franco met at Hendaye. Months later, at Hitler’s behest, Franco and Mussolini met. Under Mussolini’s pressure, Spain shifted from neutral to non-belligerent, providing logistical support.
Early German defeats necessitated a change in direction. Serrano Suñer left the government, and Spanish diplomats began to turn towards the Allies.
Autarky and Isolation (1945-1949)
The Allied victory forced Franco to modify his rhetoric and conceal the fascist aspects of his regime. The Falange’s influence waned. Attempts were made to project an image closer to Western democracies, abandoning fascist symbolism and passing two new organic laws: the National Referendum Law and the Law of Succession to the Head of State.
The Potsdam Conference decided to close borders with Spain, initiating a blockade intended to end with the fall of the Franco regime. Juan de Borbón published the Manifesto of Lausanne. The UN excluded Spain from its membership.
The Impact of the Cold War (1950-1953)
The onset of the Cold War had three main effects on Spain:
- The “Spanish question” lost its prominence in international forums.
- “Anti-fascism” within the Western world shifted to a more exclusive and obsessive “anti-communism.”
- The U.S. developed a new anti-Soviet strategy welcoming any contributing nation.
These factors led the UN to lift the recommendation for withdrawal of ambassadors in 1950, allowing Spain to join international organizations (FAO, UNESCO, etc.).
The International Consolidation of Spain (1953-1957)
Coinciding with a new government, featuring Luis Carrero Blanco, Spain’s first international agreements included:
- The Concordat with the Vatican, granting the Church significant privileges.
- The Pact of Madrid with the U.S., comprising three agreements:
- The Defensive Convention: Establishing four joint-use bases (Torrejón de Ardoz, Zaragoza, Morón, and Rota).
- The Financial Aid Convention: Providing $1,013 million in U.S. aid.
- The Mutual Defense Assistance Convention: Stipulating obligations for both parties regarding peace and security.
Despite external aid, strikes and demonstrations increased. In 1958, the government approved the Law on Principles of National Movement. The following year, the Stabilization Plan was launched, breaking with autarky and initiating economic liberalization.
Public Functions
Representative Character
The National Movement envisioned representation through permanent or natural entities: family, municipality, and syndicate. This organic representation (organic democracy), influenced by Italian Fascism, aimed to strengthen community elements, contrasting with “inorganic democracies” where individual votes drive political decisions.
Union
Worker’s associations were formed to protect and promote professional, economic, or social interests. During the Franco regime, independent unions were banned, replaced by vertical or corporate unionism. The 1940 Act on Trade Union Unity mandated that all employers and workers be integrated by industry under the direction of FET y de las JONS.
Fuero
Historically, “fuero” signified “right,” “privilege,” or “freedom,” often referring to codes granted by the king to municipalities or territories. Under Franco, it represented the compilation of fundamental rights for Spaniards. While nominally resembling Western constitutions, these rights were subject to the regime’s interests.
The legislature sanctioned the rights and duties of Spaniards within the confines of an authoritarian and denominational state.