Spain’s Economic Boom and Social Transformation in the 1960s
International Context: The Prosperity of the Sixties
In the 1960s, overcoming the shortcomings of the postwar era, a period of prosperity known as the “economic miracle” occurred. Japan acted as an economic locomotive, as did Germany in Europe. These years were a time of great transformations in culture and mentality, the era of the Beatles, hippies, miniskirts, and the French May ’68. Spain could not live outside these moments, despite the regime.
Stabilization and Economic Growth
If Spain wanted to integrate its economy into the international economic agreement, it would have to break with autarky. Technocrat ministers implemented the Stabilization Plan of 1959, which achieved moderate prices by containing demand and braking spending. Its success created the basis for Spain’s economic growth. From 1962, development plans were put in place, creating important development poles. Of great importance was the signing of preferential agreements with the EEC, spearheaded by Lopez Bravo. The project especially developed industry, and made Spain export agricultural products, although this growth was very uneven, creating imbalances between a rich Spain and an underdeveloped one. There was another factor that coincided with this growth, which was the splendor of the world economic boom, tourism that Spain experienced, and the emigration of Spanish people to other countries, which was a source of foreign currency. Unlike other countries, Spain invested this income.
Social Implications of Economic Growth: Migrations and Evolution of Social Structure
The development resulted in major changes:
- There was a population increase, explained by the high birth rate and decreased mortality.
- Dominance of the city and tertiary activities: the rural exodus caused 65% of the population to live in urban areas.
In addition, there was a change in the distribution of the active population: services accounted for 40%, while agriculture accounted for 22%. The main recipient population centers were Madrid, Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Ebro axis, and Levante.
A new social structure emerged, characterized by the loss of importance of agriculture and the dominance of the working class, which specialized to access property. Finally, the change was noted in the rise of the new middle classes, consisting of clerks, salesmen, and technicians, which characterized its development, although the general economic well-being was not evenly distributed.
Women, Family, and Society: Spain Modernizes
With a per capita income of over 1,000 dollars, Spaniards gained access to consumer goods. The improvement in living standards influenced the transformation of Spanish society, which modernized its customs. Society became more receptive to change. Education experienced a significant improvement because the number of schools increased, and women began to join the teaching profession and the workforce, especially in tertiary activities.
Political and Ideological Implications of Economic Growth: The Beginnings of Political Crisis
Increased Social and Political Conflicts
The economic and social changes were not accompanied by political changes. The structure of the regime was unable to resolve the conflicts: unionism emerged, led by CCOO, and labor unrest and student strikes increased. Agitation and nationalism also grew, with the emergence of ETA. The most important gesture of political opposition was the Munich Conspiracy, a statement made by the attendees of a congress of moderate Spanish liberal politicians convened in the German city. In the statement, they urged Franco to take measures to democratize the country, making it possible for Spain to enter the EEC. Franco reacted by suspending Article 14 of the Jurisdiction of the Spanish, which referred to freedom of residence. Faced with these conflicts, the regime only responded with repressive measures.
The Regime Cracks
The authoritarian image of the regime was softened in 1967 with timid measures. The Organic Law of the State came into force, establishing the existence of a head of government other than the head of state. Despite this shy progress, Franco continued to accumulate absolute power. In the same year, Fraga brought out the press law that mitigated the rigors of censorship. Labor legislation was also softened, and the right to strike was tolerated. In 1969, Franco proclaimed Prince Don Juan Carlos de Borbón as his successor. That same year, a crisis erupted in the Matesa affair, a Catalan textile company that committed financial fraud. The significance of the case was that it was used for political purposes, leading to the formation of the so-called “monocolor” government of Luis Carrero Blanco and Laureano López Rodó.