Spain Under Franco: A Historical Analysis (1939-1975)
Political, Economic, and Social Developments in Francoist Spain (1939-1975)
Political Developments
First Francoism (1939-1959)
Two phases:
A) 1940s:
- Effects of the war.
- Economic reconstruction.
- Autarky.
- International isolation.
The Blue Period:
Spain was marginalized internationally after the end of World War II. The regime sought to improve its image and promulgated the Law of Succession in 1947.
B) 1950s:
A period of transition where isolation ended with pacts with the U.S. and the Concordat with the Holy See. Rationing ended. Spain’s international attitude improved, and it joined several international bodies.
Second Francoism
Two phases:
A) Technocratic Phase (1959-1969):
Technocrats entered the government, modernizing the economy and society. The Press Law, the Religious Freedom Law, and the Organic Law of the State were enacted.
B) Decomposition Phase of the Regime (1969-1975):
Franco aged, the power of Carrero Blanco increased, part of the Church distanced itself from the government, and opposition became more prominent. There were tensions between hardliners and those seeking openings.
Economic Evolution
- From 1939 to 1958, the self-sufficiency plan was developed, prioritizing resource alternatives and rationing.
- The black market (estraperlo) appeared, and the economy stagnated.
- In 1958, the economic crisis imposed a change, leading to the Stabilization Plan, aimed at liberalizing the economy and the market.
- Public spending was reduced.
- Investment and public investment of foreign capital increased.
- Changes were made to the foreign exchange mechanism.
- Efforts were made to lower spending by releasing certain imports.
- Economic isolation decreased, improving the balance of payments, but increasing immigration and rural exodus.
- Between 1962 and 1975, three development plans were implemented.
- There was a favorable international economic environment, large foreign investment, tourism, remittances from migrants, and significant government investments in public works.
- The beneficiaries were large-scale industries and large industrial groups.
- There was significant industrial growth but also a regional misallocation of economic progress.
Social Evolution
A population boom occurred, with low mortality and an aging population. Internal migration was substantial, new middle classes emerged, and women began to work. Society became more open and tolerant.
Opposition to the Regime
- In the post-war period, opposition was minimal but reorganized after World War II. Guerrilla activity was prominent but disappeared in the 1950s, and opposition to the monarchy emerged.
- The policy of development created a positive image of the dictatorship abroad, but the Church began to distance itself from the government. The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), Catholic groups, and labor disputes gained prominence. Opposition during this period was generally moderate (Munich Conspiracy), excluding communists and anarchists. The goal was a democratic system in Spain.
- Conflicts increased in the 1960s. The regime attempted to modernize its union, but this did not solve the problem. The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) grew stronger, and the regime responded with repression (dismissal of professors, Burgos Trial).
- Instability grew, and in July 1969, Franco named Prince Juan Carlos as his successor. In 1973, he delegated power to Carrero Blanco, who was assassinated by ETA.
- Arias Navarro attempted to maintain government unity, but the context of the domestic and international oil crisis contributed to the end of the regime. After Franco’s death on November 20, 1975, the country entered a new phase.