Spain’s Economic Transformation & Democratic Transition
Spain’s Economic Boom and Societal Changes
The Economic Boom: Spain experienced a significant period of economic growth. This rise manifested as substantial growth in industry. The modernization of agriculture came through increased mechanization and diversification of products. The service sector also grew, becoming increasingly important with the arrival of tourists. The tourism industry provided timely support for economic development. Foreign trade experienced marked growth. National income increased, resulting in a general improvement in the population’s living standards.
An Unbalanced Increase: One of the keys to economic development was the connection with the Western European economy. This allowed Spain to export agricultural and industrial products, send a large number of workers abroad, and receive substantial revenue from tourism. However, this growth fortified an economy that was heavily dependent and not very competitive.
Demographic Changes: Improved living conditions caused a higher birth rate and a decrease in mortality, which produced a strong increase in population. In addition, the Spanish population experienced the most significant migratory movements of recent centuries.
The Transformation of Society: With improved living standards, the farming population decreased, and urban growth accelerated. The modernization of the economy also spurred the growth of the middle class. The increase in family income meant that a larger portion of their budget was earmarked for purchasing consumer goods. Thus, Spain was becoming a consumer society.
A More Open Society: The arrival of tourists, open borders, and travel for Spaniards facilitated contact with the outside world.
Educational and Social Reforms: The General Law of Education made elementary education free and universal.
Resistance and Repression: The early days of the Franco regime were marked by repression. All political parties and unions were forced underground, and tens of thousands of people were imprisoned, tortured, and murdered for their political activity. However, from the outset, opposition to Franco began to emerge.
The Economic Crisis of the 1970s and the Transition to Democracy
The Economic Crisis of the 1970s: A shift began in the economies of Western countries, triggered by the rapidly rising price of oil and raw materials. The oil crisis ended the period of growth and prosperity. In Spain, this crisis manifested as a continued surge in prices and a decline in tourism, primarily affecting the industrial sector. Spain faced this crisis alongside the death of Franco and the transition to democracy.
The Last Years of Franco: Franco was ill, and Admiral Carrero Blanco, appointed as head of government, was assassinated by ETA. This was a significant blow to the Franco regime. Under Franco, hardliners advocated maintaining the regime intact even after the dictator’s death, while *aperturistas* (reformists) favored a gradual reform process. A new government headed by Carlos Arias Navarro promised political opening. Faced with this, the *aperturistas* showed their displeasure, and the hardliners began aggressively defending the need to keep the principles and institutions of the Franco regime intact. Anti-Francoist platforms coordinated and stated they would not accept any change that did not involve granting amnesty, recognizing freedoms, and holding free elections. Franco died.
The Transition to Democracy: Juan Carlos was sworn in as King of Spain, and his message hinted at a willingness to promote political change. King Carlos echoed this sentiment from the government. A politician named Adolfo Suárez was appointed to lead the *apertura* (opening). The government sought the support of the opposition, which agreed to accept a reform. The Political Reform Act was adopted, organizing the transformation of Franco’s *Cortes* into a Congress of Deputies and a Senate elected by universal suffrage. The road to democracy was open.